I met a nice young man yesterday who lost his legs in a car accident a few years go. He was at the club I belong to with his service dog and it was very interesting to get to know him and hear his story.
I recall being fully present today when I was chopping vegetables and preparing my big salad for lunch. I really enjoyed prepping and then eating the salad, with two types of lettuce, radishes, celery, carrots, purple cabbage, lentils, and a homemade dressing. Being present is also a benefit for kitchen safety!
A short while ago, I was allowed to accompany two kindred hearts and to listen deeply while they were facing difficult internal states, which were brought to the light of consciousness. It was deeply moving to witness their processing of their findings and I was deeply grateful for having the chance to be with them in presence and silence and to be of support when needed. When they had moved through the most difficult parts, it resolved in a peaceful state, one after the other. Deeply grateful.
Yesterday. My daughter & I went to the movies on a very chilly, grey day. We saw The Devil Wears Prada 2. I was totally immersed in the drama & fashion!!!! 👠
🕊️🩷
I am currently on vacation in Hawaii.
So I am attempting to be as present as possible and really enjoy this place and the people I’m with.
So far so good. 😊
Putting paw wax on my dog’s paws last night. He’s an energetic dog, and with all his activity, his paws grow rough and begin to crack. It was a tender experience to run my wax-slicked fingers along the rough parts of his pads, while he nervously allowed me to help him.
I have a particular connection to my pets’ feet . . .
I think of all the places they have walked
and feel very tender towards them . . .
I don’t know why,
but they seem so vulnerable and sweet
(although I am sure
they don’t think of them that way). ♥
Thank you Drea. I will be “scrubbing” my laptop as soon as I can. I know “I” can’t do it, but a professional. My thoughts are Mr Clean, Dawn soap and Irish spring —gosh this experience Stinks! 😉
My most recent moment of being fully present, is not pleasant. On 4/23 I was pulled into a sinkhole via a financial scam via the rightly named “dark web.” The identity theft will leave a big imprint, much to untangle; and there’s no recouping lost $ from a bank. Grateful it wasn’t worse, as credit union fraud agent put brakes on. I’m grateful it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Emotional, physical, psyche healing will take time. Gentle spring weekend prayers to all🌺🫶🏽☮️
I too,
am sorry you have had this unpleasant
and potentially costly experience . . .
it feels invasive,
and hard to find gratitude in this.
But it’s fertile ground
for finding gratitude within it,
and will make you stronger in the future. ♥
This is today’s poem from Rosemerry Whatola Trommer. I thought it my be helpful to you, Carla. It was to me.
At the Center of the Garden
When no one
is looking
she touches
the wound
that hides
beneath
her smile
where the scion
of acceptance
was grafted
to her rootstock
of stubbornness.
Most people
don’t notice
the scar,
focused as they are
on the fruit,
but she
remembers
the cut,
the tissue exposed.
How tenderly
she traces
that place
where the union
was formed.
Since the wounding,
her fruits
have become
vibrant, complex,
so sharp, even tart,
and so sweet.
—Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
Sparrow I can understand why you would feel both wistful and grateful. ” the scion of acceptance was grafted to her rootstock of stubbornness.” but since that wounding, “her fruits have become vibrant, complex, so sharp, even tart, and so sweet.” I too had both feelings!
One external: Chatting with my fellow bus patrol volunteer on a cold, sunny morning. Watching the children get aboard and the parents waving goodbye. Waving to the regular bus driver who returned from vacation.
One internal: Feeling an idea arising in me to host neighborhood children for an hour a week for a “nature camp” this summer. I have the skills and time and I’m getting to know more of my neighbors since I retired–lots of young families around me.
I’m reading a book right now, The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker, with my local bookstore’s reading group. We have an assignment, to think about a gathering we’d like to design using the principles from the book. Your camp would be a delightful gathering!
Just a few minutes ago when I did a morning check in with a neighbor. We exchanged what our Friday was like and what we anticipate this weekend. Both of us agree that we need to be engaged with life to the fullest of our elder strength.
Yram, you and your neighbor are wise. Your post gives me such a warm fulfilling moment. I sometimes forget how much elder strength I have been given and need to be grateful for.
This morning – I made my coffee and instead of coming right to my office to start my ‘morning activities’ {checking out National Day, coming onto this grateful website} I took my coffee and sat out in my back lanai and listened to the birds,peacocks, and rooster. I have been feeding 2 neighborhood outdoor cats which I named Garfield (orange tabby) and my brother, when he was visiting me, named the black/brown one StarLord. A very nice Saturday peaceful morning.
Last evening I could hear the peepers and bird’s joyful music bringing Brady for his nightly walk.
Today is my 66th birthday! It is suppose to be an overcast day with occasional rain but the sun came out maybe 30 mins ago and I took a photo because it was such an unexpected gift today! Lots of sunshine though yesterday on my day off. My son is taking me out for an Italian dinner tonight
to “new to me” spot 🌞💕✨
Happy birthday, dear Robin Ann! There is a little song which says something like- with 66 years, life begins, with 66 years. it is joy, with 66 years, energy rises again and with 66 years, it´s far from over. May you have a wonderful day and many beautiful years in good health and energy ahead.
Happy birthday Robin Ann! Have a lovely dinner and have fun with ’66’ – turn to pg 66 in a recipe book, drive 66 miles, visit 66 local spots,donate $66 to fav charity, 66 random acts of kindness – you get the idea
interesting fact – the chemical element for 66 is Dysprosium (Dy)
Dysprosium (Dy), atomic number 66, is a soft, silvery-white rare-earth metal in the lanthanide series. It possesses high magnetic strength and is crucial for increasing the thermal resistance of high-performance neodymium magnets, particularly in electric car motors and wind turbines. It is highly susceptible to supply disruptions, with a vast majority produced in China
Love the science lesson, Michele! I wrote a blog post with a list of ideas for this very thing that I published almost exactly 4 years ago. Did you inspire me with a similar post back then? I mentioned the idea coming from an online community and that definitely could be this space. https://biketoworkbarb.blogspot.com/2022/05/counting-up-years.html?m=1
yes, I remember seeing this before on here from someone and also asking ideas like this for when it was my bday… I now pass this on to others… I also have been looking up chemical elements for bdays … just another way to learn about a specific # .
Love this Michelle Thank you! Awesome suggestions and so cool about the chemical! The yoga instructor reminded me yesterday of finding my joy so I am going for a walk at one of my favorite places tomorrow, Irish music on the 16th` and sailing film on 28th! Much needed haircut today too 🌞
Savoring a few mulberries off of a tree I passed on our walk.
Watching my students as they laid in savasana at the end of our gentle yoga class yesterday morning. I feel so honored that they feel safe enough to surrender and rest at the end of practice.
Last night at a nearby Mexican restaurant… the mole sauce on my enchiladas was so delicious. The absolute perfect blend of spices, chiles and that hint of chocolate. Each bite was such a treat.
Last night I was blessed with the presence of Swami Sarvapriyananda leading a talk at the Duke University School of Divinity Chapel. He spoke on “Authentic Existence”. He is a deeply present, reverential and loving being. His full presence created deeper presence in me. I was aware of every word and gesture. I felt the love and admiration in the room. Briefly, I freely myself distracted by someone who wouldn’t get off of their phone. “Righteous” indignation and judgement kicked in. Then I heard his voice and returned to bliss. I realized how much suffering I cause myself when I insert myself into someone else’s story and want to know “why” they are doing x, y, z. The presence and his dedication to loving all are inspiring and remind me that true acceptance is allowing everyone to be themselves.
“I realized how much suffering I cause myself when I insert myself into someone else’s story and want to know “why” they are doing x, y, z.” Avril, thank you for these wise words. I very much needed them. Boy did they bring me into the present moment!
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I met a nice young man yesterday who lost his legs in a car accident a few years go. He was at the club I belong to with his service dog and it was very interesting to get to know him and hear his story.
I recall being fully present today when I was chopping vegetables and preparing my big salad for lunch. I really enjoyed prepping and then eating the salad, with two types of lettuce, radishes, celery, carrots, purple cabbage, lentils, and a homemade dressing. Being present is also a benefit for kitchen safety!
A short while ago, I was allowed to accompany two kindred hearts and to listen deeply while they were facing difficult internal states, which were brought to the light of consciousness. It was deeply moving to witness their processing of their findings and I was deeply grateful for having the chance to be with them in presence and silence and to be of support when needed. When they had moved through the most difficult parts, it resolved in a peaceful state, one after the other. Deeply grateful.
Yesterday. My daughter & I went to the movies on a very chilly, grey day. We saw The Devil Wears Prada 2. I was totally immersed in the drama & fashion!!!! 👠
🕊️🩷
I am currently on vacation in Hawaii.
So I am attempting to be as present as possible and really enjoy this place and the people I’m with.
So far so good. 😊
Have a wonderful time Charlie! My one daughter lived there for a few years (Big Island). I never heard of a coqui frog until she mentioned them.
Nice! Enjoy!
Soak up
some of that sun and sea for me,
dear Charlie . . . ♥
Putting paw wax on my dog’s paws last night. He’s an energetic dog, and with all his activity, his paws grow rough and begin to crack. It was a tender experience to run my wax-slicked fingers along the rough parts of his pads, while he nervously allowed me to help him.
I have a particular connection to my pets’ feet . . .
I think of all the places they have walked
and feel very tender towards them . . .
I don’t know why,
but they seem so vulnerable and sweet
(although I am sure
they don’t think of them that way). ♥
Thank you Drea. I will be “scrubbing” my laptop as soon as I can. I know “I” can’t do it, but a professional. My thoughts are Mr Clean, Dawn soap and Irish spring —gosh this experience Stinks! 😉
My most recent moment of being fully present, is not pleasant. On 4/23 I was pulled into a sinkhole via a financial scam via the rightly named “dark web.” The identity theft will leave a big imprint, much to untangle; and there’s no recouping lost $ from a bank. Grateful it wasn’t worse, as credit union fraud agent put brakes on. I’m grateful it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Emotional, physical, psyche healing will take time. Gentle spring weekend prayers to all🌺🫶🏽☮️
I’m sorry to hear Carla, my thoughts are with you.
I too,
am sorry you have had this unpleasant
and potentially costly experience . . .
it feels invasive,
and hard to find gratitude in this.
But it’s fertile ground
for finding gratitude within it,
and will make you stronger in the future. ♥
Dear Carla, sorry to hear about your misfortune. Praying for you. 🙏🏻 🩷
This is today’s poem from Rosemerry Whatola Trommer. I thought it my be helpful to you, Carla. It was to me.
At the Center of the Garden
When no one
is looking
she touches
the wound
that hides
beneath
her smile
where the scion
of acceptance
was grafted
to her rootstock
of stubbornness.
Most people
don’t notice
the scar,
focused as they are
on the fruit,
but she
remembers
the cut,
the tissue exposed.
How tenderly
she traces
that place
where the union
was formed.
Since the wounding,
her fruits
have become
vibrant, complex,
so sharp, even tart,
and so sweet.
—Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
When I read this poem in my email,
dear Carol Ann,
I didn’t know if I should feel wistful
or grateful. (?)
Sparrow I can understand why you would feel both wistful and grateful. ” the scion of acceptance was grafted to her rootstock of stubbornness.” but since that wounding, “her fruits have become vibrant, complex, so sharp, even tart, and so sweet.” I too had both feelings!
I am grateful for you feedback on this,
dear Carol Ann . . .
it helps clarify things for me.
Thank you. ♥
That sounds really stressful, Carla. Glad your bank put the brakes on. Take care and much healing to you.
One external: Chatting with my fellow bus patrol volunteer on a cold, sunny morning. Watching the children get aboard and the parents waving goodbye. Waving to the regular bus driver who returned from vacation.
One internal: Feeling an idea arising in me to host neighborhood children for an hour a week for a “nature camp” this summer. I have the skills and time and I’m getting to know more of my neighbors since I retired–lots of young families around me.
Barb Mcrae, That sounds so wonderful. Sending loving energy in support of your plan. Today’s youth is tomorrow’s promise.
I’m reading a book right now, The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker, with my local bookstore’s reading group. We have an assignment, to think about a gathering we’d like to design using the principles from the book. Your camp would be a delightful gathering!
Just a few minutes ago when I did a morning check in with a neighbor. We exchanged what our Friday was like and what we anticipate this weekend. Both of us agree that we need to be engaged with life to the fullest of our elder strength.
Yram, you and your neighbor are wise. Your post gives me such a warm fulfilling moment. I sometimes forget how much elder strength I have been given and need to be grateful for.
This morning – I made my coffee and instead of coming right to my office to start my ‘morning activities’ {checking out National Day, coming onto this grateful website} I took my coffee and sat out in my back lanai and listened to the birds,peacocks, and rooster. I have been feeding 2 neighborhood outdoor cats which I named Garfield (orange tabby) and my brother, when he was visiting me, named the black/brown one StarLord. A very nice Saturday peaceful morning.
https://nationaltoday.com/today/
I felt like I was sitting there with you.
Last evening I could hear the peepers and bird’s joyful music bringing Brady for his nightly walk.
Today is my 66th birthday! It is suppose to be an overcast day with occasional rain but the sun came out maybe 30 mins ago and I took a photo because it was such an unexpected gift today! Lots of sunshine though yesterday on my day off. My son is taking me out for an Italian dinner tonight
to “new to me” spot 🌞💕✨
Happy Birthday! Hope you enjoyed your Italian meal last night 🎉
Happy anniversary of your gift of life day, Robin Ann!
Happy Birthday, Robin Ann! I hope your dinner and evening were wonderful!
Happy birthday, dear Robin Ann! There is a little song which says something like- with 66 years, life begins, with 66 years. it is joy, with 66 years, energy rises again and with 66 years, it´s far from over. May you have a wonderful day and many beautiful years in good health and energy ahead.
Love it- will have to check it out ☺️ Thank you
Robin Ann, Wishing you a very happy birthday…Blessings always and all ways.
Happy Blessed Birthday Robin Ann.
🎂🥳🎉
Celebrate You…🥂
Be present,
and enjoy your birthday,
dear Robin Ann
to the most. ♥
Happy BirthDayWeekMonth! No reason to stop celebrating your life after 24 hours.
Happy birthday Robin Ann!
Happy birthday, Robin. Enjoy your dinner.
Birthday Blessings Robin!! You’ve got some great suggestions here from Michelle and others.;) course Enjoy that wonderful meal! 🍝💕😁
Enjoy that supper and all the greetings from family and friends. Michele has some clever ideas.
Happy birthday Robin Ann! Have a lovely dinner and have fun with ’66’ – turn to pg 66 in a recipe book, drive 66 miles, visit 66 local spots,donate $66 to fav charity, 66 random acts of kindness – you get the idea
interesting fact – the chemical element for 66 is Dysprosium (Dy)
Dysprosium (Dy), atomic number 66, is a soft, silvery-white rare-earth metal in the lanthanide series. It possesses high magnetic strength and is crucial for increasing the thermal resistance of high-performance neodymium magnets, particularly in electric car motors and wind turbines. It is highly susceptible to supply disruptions, with a vast majority produced in China
Love the science lesson, Michele! I wrote a blog post with a list of ideas for this very thing that I published almost exactly 4 years ago. Did you inspire me with a similar post back then? I mentioned the idea coming from an online community and that definitely could be this space. https://biketoworkbarb.blogspot.com/2022/05/counting-up-years.html?m=1
yes, I remember seeing this before on here from someone and also asking ideas like this for when it was my bday… I now pass this on to others… I also have been looking up chemical elements for bdays … just another way to learn about a specific # .
Love this Michelle Thank you! Awesome suggestions and so cool about the chemical! The yoga instructor reminded me yesterday of finding my joy so I am going for a walk at one of my favorite places tomorrow, Irish music on the 16th` and sailing film on 28th! Much needed haircut today too 🌞
Savoring a few mulberries off of a tree I passed on our walk.
Watching my students as they laid in savasana at the end of our gentle yoga class yesterday morning. I feel so honored that they feel safe enough to surrender and rest at the end of practice.
Last night at a nearby Mexican restaurant… the mole sauce on my enchiladas was so delicious. The absolute perfect blend of spices, chiles and that hint of chocolate. Each bite was such a treat.
Sunnypatti, that Mexican dish sure sounds delicious.
It was… I love a good mole sauce! And Mexican food in general 😋
Last night I was blessed with the presence of Swami Sarvapriyananda leading a talk at the Duke University School of Divinity Chapel. He spoke on “Authentic Existence”. He is a deeply present, reverential and loving being. His full presence created deeper presence in me. I was aware of every word and gesture. I felt the love and admiration in the room. Briefly, I freely myself distracted by someone who wouldn’t get off of their phone. “Righteous” indignation and judgement kicked in. Then I heard his voice and returned to bliss. I realized how much suffering I cause myself when I insert myself into someone else’s story and want to know “why” they are doing x, y, z. The presence and his dedication to loving all are inspiring and remind me that true acceptance is allowing everyone to be themselves.
“I realized how much suffering I cause myself when I insert myself into someone else’s story and want to know “why” they are doing x, y, z.” Avril, thank you for these wise words. I very much needed them. Boy did they bring me into the present moment!
Avril, this aligns well with what I firmly believe in. I’m all about individualized impowerment.
Right now I’m full present and I’m grateful for that . Have a beautiful day everyone.
Ngoc and I just went on a walk outside yesterday afternoon. We prefer that over walking in the mall, because there’s fresh air, and it’s quieter.
I agree outside is best when you can.