Reflections

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  1. E
    Emma Y
    1 month ago

    A leisure morning,
    A sun-kissed one.

    I would enjoy walking through my simplistic garden then start work. I’d be out for lunch at the corner cafe, then return home, and start writing my book. I would have dinner outside with my loved ones.

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      4 weeks ago

      Yes . . .
      a lovely day,
      dear Emma. ♥

    2. Mary
      Mary
      1 month ago

      That sounds like a lovely day, Emma.

  2. Ose
    Ose
    1 month ago

    Recently we were together with dear friends, grateful for this opportunity and full of joy and fine togetherness even gifted with being in a beautiful place. Warmth for all and presence possibly offered some support as it did from all concerned. No fear in a moment in advance would possibly have made it an ideal day. I don´t know. May be yes, may be no, and leaving it like this is the option. What brings me closer? I don´t know if this is possible at all. To do my best, hoping it might serve others, that´s all. May you all have a beautiful day.
    .

  3. Robin Ann
    Robin Ann
    1 month ago

    My ideal day is spending quality time with loved ones (which is my love language). I have been planning a trip to Cocoa Beach Florida and my Daughter came up with the idea of kayaking. So I found a tour that will involve kayaking with local wild life (manatees, dolphin, bird and hopefully not alligators!). I have a big birthday coming up so I wanted to plan something special and Flights to Florida have been at great prices this year!

    1. Yram
      Yram
      4 weeks ago

      Happy BIG birthday!

      Now I consider every birthday BIG even if it doesn’t in a zero or 5.

    2. L
      Loc Tran
      1 month ago

      Robin, Ngoc and I share the quality time love language as well.

    3. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 month ago

      Yes, dear Robin Ann, steer clear of the gators!

      1. Robin Ann
        Robin Ann
        4 weeks ago

        yeah i read about an incident recently but it is extremely rare!!

  4. sparrow51014
    sparrow
    1 month ago

    It matters not,
    what the weather is like every day . . .
    I like mostly all of it.
    I like waking up
    with those I love
    close by . . .
    that is ideal.
    A leisurely breakfast with coffee,
    and time to look at the garden
    or be in it when it is warm enough,
    have some talking time with my husband,
    tend to and play with the cats . . .
    these are all ideal,
    and I get to have some of all of these things every day.
    Enjoying the work we do
    to maintain and improve our home together
    (right now,
    the teeny tiny bathroom on the first floor . . .
    what a mess it is),
    having a little creative time by myself,
    sometimes
    making a slow cooker meal together,
    sitting by the fire in the evening
    with a glass of brandy,
    and curling up together at night.

    These are all components of an ideal day for me.
    I would like to take a step closer to fashioning ideal days
    by learning how to enjoy the ‘mundane’ tasks more deeply,
    and by using my talents, skills and vision
    to satisfy the creative urges that churn restlessly within me.

    If there was peace in the world
    I would feel a lot better . . .
    if the hungry were fed and sheltered,
    if people stopped killing each other,
    desecrating our beautiful planet
    and were more kind and generous to each other.
    But that is not to be.
    There’s little I can do about that.
    I can nurture and cultivate hope though . . .
    “this little light of mine
    I’m gonna let it shine . . .” ♥

    1. D
      Drea
      4 weeks ago

      Sparrow, I am practicing this also: “I would like to take a step closer to fashioning ideal days
      by learning how to enjoy the ‘mundane’ tasks more deeply.” Wishing you the best in your steps to fashioning an ideal day.

    2. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 month ago

      The collective madness of humanity appears deeply engrained, dear Sparrow.

      1. sparrow51014
        sparrow
        4 weeks ago

        We wonder
        will it ever end,
        dear Joseph? ♥

  5. D
    Deann
    1 month ago

    An ideal day could be sitting in the sun or curled up with a book on a rainy day. Whatever the surrounding the ideal day would be knowing my children are having a good day, my family is healthy and that peace and joy is overflowing not only from my heart to others but I feel the overflow from those around me.

    I am taking the step to notice the beauty of nature and letting my mind focus on the present with gratitude which helps fill the heart with joy and peace.

  6. Yram
    Yram
    1 month ago

    My ideal day is to appreciate that all my bodily functions are functioning in a reasonable manor. My husband home from a 24 hospital day. I will enjoy his presence.

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 month ago

      I know what you mean,
      dear Yram,
      about appreciating smoothly running bodily functions . . . 🙂

      and I am so happy
      that your husband is home.
      That most certainly
      is an ideal day. ♥

  7. Linda72766
    Linda
    1 month ago

    My ideal day is one without feeling anxious about anything.

    1. L
      Loc Tran
      1 month ago

      Good one, Linda. Your answer is similar to my stress-free one. I’m fortunate to have many of them these days.

    2. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 month ago

      What helps me is that I now recognize anxiety’s beginning. Then sitting with it and bringing it all back to the breath, reminding myself not to make a situation into a problem. Acceptance and awareness have helped me to deal better with that Monkey in my Mind.

    3. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol
      1 month ago

      Ditto to Sparrow’s comment

    4. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 month ago

      I hope you are able to find a way,
      dear Linda,
      to let go of some of that anxiety.
      I know you are in a very stressful situation,
      but the anxiety
      won’t serve you
      in the end . . .
      my heart is with you. ♥

  8. D
    Drea
    1 month ago

    An ideal day is contextual based on where I’m at in the present. I can generalize that getting my basic needs met–fresh air, exercise, healthful food, enough sleep–sets the stage for an ideal day. Learning something new and having a good, deep conversation aren’t basic needs, but they’re strong desires, so an ideal day would include them. Being with loved ones. Other than that, my ideal day today might involve lounging on a sunny beach, and tomorrow that could completely change. It helps to think about how meeting basic needs creates the foundation for an ideal day, whatever that means in the moment.

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 month ago

      “It helps to think about how meeting basic needs creates the foundation for an ideal day, whatever that means in the moment.”
      Beautiful,
      dear Drea . . . ♥

  9. Barb C
    Barb C
    1 month ago

    I’m off to a good start because my ideal day starts with a hug and kiss from my sweetheart, coffee and some reading. Check!

    Today I’m going into the office and meeting with my administrative assistant for her performance review. She’s a rock star so I get to praise and recognize, which now that I think of it *is* part of an ideal day for me.

    I’ll be riding my bike to work so that’s another ideal day item checked off. If only the rain weren’t threatening. We had quite a bit in the night and I’m hoping I can ride in a weather window.

    Time in or watching nature: a little bird is pecking the ground right outside the window where I’m sitting so that’s another check. I think it’s a song sparrow. (In my truly ideal day, all bird identification apps would have clear photos of the male, the female, and the juvenile.)

    I’ve been reading about a system of knowledge management and organizing thoughts to support writing that’s new to me so I’m learning something and that’s pretty ideal. (Zettelkasten, in case you’re interested https://zettelkasten.de/)

    I ate a delicious breakfast and good food is definitely part of an ideal day. Slept pretty well and got enough sleep last night.

    Really, my ideal day can take many shapes and I’m just describing today so far! Recognizing that each day can be “ideal” in its own unique way brings me a step closer, so thank you for the question.

    1. D
      Drea
      1 month ago

      Yes, an ideal day can take so many shapes. And I agree that each day can be ideal … maybe when a day is the fullest manifestation of what it is; when I can meet the day with presence, it will have been a good day.

      1. Mary
        Mary Mantei
        4 weeks ago

        Spot on, Drea, thank you.🩷

  10. Charlie T
    Charlie T
    1 month ago

    Thankfully, I am a very simple person. My ideal day is easy to achieve. On most days, I am already there. It’s when I overreach, that I get into trouble. Comparing my life to others. Sure, white sand beaches, infinity pools, alpine ski resorts, exotic hotels, expensive hobbies, culinary fantasies, second homes, and on and on and on…would be fun, for a while. But, sitting here, with my coffee, a cat purring nearby, the sky becoming lighter outside my window, and appreciating all that I have, including good health, makes this day ideal.
    By practicing gratitude, I have exchanged, mornings of dread and self pity, with much more contentment.
    Not a bad deal. 😁

    1. Mary
      Mary Mantei
      4 weeks ago

      Beautiful Charlie, thank you. 🩷

    2. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 month ago

      Not a bad deal at all,
      dear Charlie . . . ♥

    3. D
      Drea
      1 month ago

      Good health is such a blessing. So are cats and coffee.

    4. Linda72766
      Linda
      1 month ago

      Charlie, I have witnessed your growth towards gratitude on this website, and it inspires me to focus on the good in my life as well. Thank you for sharing your ongoing journey.

  11. Carol Ann Conner
    Carol
    1 month ago

    My ideal day would be a day when my practice of kindness and compassion was considered in every one of my thoughts, words and actions. My ideal day would be a day when the same was true for all blessed to live in my country or any other country. We would war no more. We would nurture Mother Earth as she has done her best to nurture us. This type of a question always brings me back to John Lennon’s song “Imagine.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT4hLudO-is

    May we learn to be the peace we seek because without the evolution of our species, my ideal day is a fantasy. What could bring me one step closer to my ideal day? Practice what I preach, be willing to grow in my understanding that both joy and sorrow are part of the gift that is my life.

    The poet Kahlil Gibran in his sbook “The Prophet” says
    “Say not, ‘I have found the truth,’ but rather ‘I have found a truth.’
    Say not, ‘i have found the path of the soul.’
    Say rather, ‘ I have met the soul walking upon my path.’
    For the soul walks upon many paths.
    The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed.
    The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of countless petals.”

    1. Mary
      Mary Mantei
      4 weeks ago

      Carol, “Say not, “I have found the truth”, but rather, “I have found a truth” … I yearn for this kind of inclusiveness in our world, along with the grace to be that person who can hear another’s truth when it differs from mine. Thank you.🩷

    2. c
      Carol Ann
      1 month ago

      very appreciated KG quote, Carol. thank you. worth going back to again and again. blessed day to folks today.

    3. Charlie T
      Charlie T
      1 month ago

      Perfect. 🙏

  12. Mary
    Mary
    1 month ago

    There are many activities that could make up an ideal day for me.
    But regardless of the activity the most important elements are being present,
    feeling fully alive, and of course being grateful for the gift of this day.
    Activities could include intimate moments with my husband at home
    and being out having coffee or tea with him, time with my cats, both peaceful and playful,
    time with my family members, taking in their goodness, and feeling my joy as we interact.
    Other activities could include drawing portraits or figure drawing with a group, seeing an exciting art exhibit,
    and spending time in church for some quiet prayer.
    An essential part of this day would include spending time in nature especially in a wooded area
    or at the beach, my body in the ever moving salt water.

    To bring myself closer to an ideal day today, I could include several of the activities that I listed,
    but the most important things are living my day with presence, noticing the miracles all around me,
    and feeling grateful for my life, this day, and especially for this moment.

    1. D
      Drea
      1 month ago

      You reminded me of how long it’s been since I’ve done figure drawing with a group. It really is fun.

      1. Mary
        Mary
        1 month ago

        It is so nice to work in a group.
        Do you like to do art, Drea?😊

        1. D
          Drea
          4 weeks ago

          Yes, I’ve always liked to do art! To me, it’s both catharsis and insight.

    2. c
      Carol Ann
      1 month ago

      really beautiful, Mary. thank you.

      1. Mary
        Mary
        1 month ago

        Thank you for saying so, Carol Ann. 🥰

  13. Elizabeth H67151
    Elizabeth H
    1 month ago

    My ideal day is characterized by a constant deep connection with the Divine Core in myself and all around me. I get up, and after a cup of tea, sit for a deep and joyful 30 minute meditation session. Then I spend some time with the Grateful Living Question before plunging into the activities of my day. As I move about the day, I am fully in the Present from moment to moment. I smile often and am aware of the gifts of each moment. My mind does not cling to desires for outward things to bring me energy, but rather rests Whole in itself. I do not feel fatigued or tired, but am wholly absorbed in meaningful activities and Love. When I interact with others, I feel deep love for them and deep connection with the Divine in them. I have time in my day for exercise. I have time in the day to do something meaningful to contribute to solutions to the difficult problems facing humanity right now. In the afternoon, I sit for a second deep and joyful 30 minute meditation session. I am able to bring my day’s activities to a close 30 minutes before bedtime and have time for some spiritual reading to close the day out.

    What could bring me closer to my ideal day? Cultivating discrimination in how I use my time and what I say “yes” to in my schedule, so that I don’t over-schedule myself or fritter away my precious time and attention on things that scatter me and drain my energy and do nobody any good. Just writing out a description of my ideal day helps give me incentive to strive for it, especially the moment-to-moment mental state of living in love.

    1. Mary
      Mary Mantei
      4 weeks ago

      Elizabeth, so much of what you have written finds me saying, “yes”. One statement, “…so that I don’t overschedule myself or fritter away my precious time and attention on things that scatter me and drain my energy and do nobody any good.” Discernment regarding how we use our time. Thank you for stating this as part of your bigger ideal day. As I have worked on this for a long time, you saying it feels supportive. Thank you. 🩷

      1. Elizabeth H67151
        Elizabeth H
        4 weeks ago

        Thank you, Mary Mantei!

    2. Elizabeth H67151
      Elizabeth H
      1 month ago

      I realized that the post above was partially about my internal state.

      But if I really want to let myself dream about a day when external circumstances are ideal– my husband would be feeling healthy and energetic and have less pain than normal. And the two of us would have the chance to participate in some activity together that is fun and creative and in some way a service to the world.

      1. Mary
        Mary
        1 month ago

        Dear Elizabeth,
        I’m so sorry your husband has to deal with a lot of pain.
        That must be so challenging for both of you.
        Sending much love,
        Mary

        1. Elizabeth H67151
          Elizabeth H
          4 weeks ago

          Thank you, Mary. He had an especially difficult day yesterday, so I’m hoping that today will be better.

    3. D
      Drea
      1 month ago

      I felt good reading about your ideal day, Elizabeth. What a beautiful incentive.

      1. Elizabeth H67151
        Elizabeth H
        1 month ago

        Thank you, Drea!

    4. c
      Carol Ann
      1 month ago

      🙏 so very affirming and clear, Elizabeth. thank you.

      1. Elizabeth H67151
        Elizabeth H
        1 month ago

        Thank you, Carol Ann!

    5. Mary
      Mary
      1 month ago

      This is such a beautiful reply Elizabeth.
      I love the joy, the mindfulness, your sense of purpose, and your desire to rest within your body.
      I also love the joyfulness of a morning and afternoon meditation.
      I feel inspired!

      1. Elizabeth H67151
        Elizabeth H
        1 month ago

        Thank you, Mary! ♥️

  14. L
    Loc Tran
    1 month ago

    An ideal day for me is an stress-free day, and I’m already there.

    1. c
      Carol Ann
      1 month ago

      love this, Loc Tran.👍. you inspire.

      1. L
        Loc Tran
        1 month ago

        Anytime, Carol Ann. I’m glad I can inspire.

  15. Antoinette88615
    Antoinette
    1 month ago

    I enjoy sunshine and I appreciate it when the sun is shining! I like to walk and hike. I don’t know how to answer an ideal because that idea comes from a place of greed. I am doing my best to let go right now. I keep letting go of my mind that is holding onto so many attachments. I’m happy I have this ideal moment to be grateful for the opportunity to see what I am holding onto and surrender it- my false self who always wants more .

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