The Wild Edges of Gratitude

My spiritual guides’ actions speak of a common philosophy of humility, wholeheartedness, and love.

My spiritual guides are diverse: they belong to different religions, speak different languages, and have lived in vastly different time periods.

But their actions speak of a common philosophy of humility, wholeheartedness, and love.

There is something else that draws me to them: their authenticity. By offering a naked window into their own struggles, these individuals have offered generations of pilgrims a glimpse of the holy.

Their words speak to me with a deep sense of intimacy. They beckon me to live on the wild edges of my soul, to move past all that is safe, and to never rest in spaces offering false refuge.

Rumi’s longing for his Beloved teaches me not to become a prisoner of worldly pursuits. He calls me to set my gaze firmly on the Divine and to remember that every heartbeat pulsates with the sacred.

The Desert Mothers and Fathers have taught me that only by confronting the deepest remnants of our brokenness will we learn how to love. Their unwillingness to judge others, and their courage to plummet to the depths of their suffering and vulnerability speaks of a deep humility.

When I think of a heart that unconditionally trusts in life, I think of Brother David Steindl-Rast. Brother David teaches me to let go, to trust in the unfolding of life. He has helped me to understand how our days can be woven in ceaseless prayer if we are able to notice the shyness of Divine beauty and respond with gratitude.

The Dalai Lama, my oldest spiritual guide, teaches me to be vigilant about how my speech and actions affect others, and to offer compassion and kindness even when the heart feels it has met its limit.

St. Francis of Assisi’s child-like trust for God teaches me to open myself to the mystery with abandon. Burning with passion, he states the most important things with exquisite simplicity:

God came to my house and asked for charity.
And I fell on my knees and cried, “Beloved, what may I give?”
“Just love,” He said. “Just love.”

Their sacred presence is a blessing. For this, I am grateful.

Toni is an editor and writer who loves to listen to people’s life stories. She has worked with international charities in Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.

We invite you to share a story about yourself or another person, reflecting on the question: “How has gratefulness shifted a moment, an experience, or a lifetime?”