Gratitude Lounge Welcome to our community space to support and celebrate Grateful Living. Please consider reflecting on questions such as these: What am I grateful for? How does gratefulness enrich my life, my community, the world? What is grateful living inspiring me to do? You are welcome to include images and videos to illustrate your reflections… Click here to cancel reply.Please log in or Create a Profile to post a comment. Notify me when someone replies to my comment via e-mail. Aine6 years agoAineWell, I must thank you all, dear souls, for uplifting my spirits this gray morning simply by being You. ???? I awakened after a night of active dreams, only one of which was happy, and the last of which left me with an almost crushing sense of loneliness, isolation, and invisibility. In it, I was traveling to my husband and new home with a group of people, many of whom I knew, but no one would talk to me except for a stranger who kept telling me everything she thought I did wrong. (??????????... Well, I must thank you all, dear souls, for uplifting my spirits this gray morning simply by being You. ???? I awakened after a night of active dreams, only one of which was happy, and the last of which left me with an almost crushing sense of loneliness, isolation, and invisibility. In it, I was traveling to my husband and new home with a group of people, many of whom I knew, but no one would talk to me except for a stranger who kept telling me everything she thought I did wrong. (????????????) Gak!! I have been having dreams of late that show me I am very much done with where I am and eager to move on, yet the timing is still in the Not Yet. That is challenging, though I am doing better about Being where I am instead of attempting to project myself forward to where I want to be, which never works anyway. ???? I am grateful for the chance to learn this, actually, since I will need to BE where I am once I get there, too, if I wish to cultivate happiness. I am grateful for the Done Here dreams because they tell me that I can feel certain that I am ready to move on, even if my unconscious seems to be a bit of a noodge about the topic! (I hope “noodge” translates! A Noodge, in essence, means someone who keeps nagging or reminding you to do something, as in, “All right, all right already! I’ll take the trash out! No need to be a noodge about it!”) So, as I say, even though I knew “it was only a dream,” I was feeling a horrible weight of loneliness this morning, like a cold, smothering, gray blanket. Then I came in here. And in this sacred space with the posts of these sacred souls the loneliness lifted, like morning sunshine burning away the fog hanging over the fields to make space for a new day of growth and beauty. I am still exactly where I am. The dream was the dream, the waiting will go on, the time is still Not Yet. But somehow, I no longer feel like I am traveling alone. Thank you, dear souls. You are amazing and awesome and indispensible. ???????????????????? God be in your road, my friends. Read More 4 Reply manda6 years agomandaAine, sweet friend, a HUG your way <3 I hope your day was as amazing and awesome as you are lovely! 1 Reply Aine6 years agoAineThank you, Manda. I think it was a processing day. I welcome the new wrinkle that has emerged. Have you read The Untethered Soul yet? In it, Michael Singer talks about how we each have "thorns." He says that we can either spend our lives trying to arrange everything so no one touches our thorns, or we can let the thorns emerge and become free of them. Yesterday, I got the distinct feeling of a thorn emerging, like a splinter that is finally ready to come out. It is a pretty amazing feeli... Thank you, Manda. I think it was a processing day. I welcome the new wrinkle that has emerged. Have you read The Untethered Soul yet? In it, Michael Singer talks about how we each have “thorns.” He says that we can either spend our lives trying to arrange everything so no one touches our thorns, or we can let the thorns emerge and become free of them. Yesterday, I got the distinct feeling of a thorn emerging, like a splinter that is finally ready to come out. It is a pretty amazing feeling, actually! It is funny, too, because this is a pain I never knew I even had, it was just buried. What a grace to have it come out! So, yes, the day was as you wished for me…only a different expression of it. ???? Read More0 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful seaGood morning, dear Aine. I hope you had a more peaceful night or if not, that insight flows from those ‘sleep dreams’ that are difficult. Such a time of transformation you are in! Energy, movement! And yet you are wise to stay mindful of here and now. I am blessed as I see how you navigate and think of how to start moving my own life forward. Thank you, friend. 1 Reply Aine6 years agoAineThank you, dear Grateful, for your encouragement. I think perhaps we may all have blind spots when looking at our own healing, that perhaps we have a tendency not to see our own beauty in handling it, our own navigating. I know I do. That is part of why souls like those in here are so essential in our lives! We can mirror back to each other the beauty and positive qualities we can sometimes fail to see in ourselves. When we can let that sink in as real and good and true, then we are encourag... Thank you, dear Grateful, for your encouragement. I think perhaps we may all have blind spots when looking at our own healing, that perhaps we have a tendency not to see our own beauty in handling it, our own navigating. I know I do. That is part of why souls like those in here are so essential in our lives! We can mirror back to each other the beauty and positive qualities we can sometimes fail to see in ourselves. When we can let that sink in as real and good and true, then we are encouraged to see ourselves with more compassion. And that is a very very good thing. ❤️ Read More2 Reply Pilgrim6 years agoPilgrimAine, I have a wise friend who has studied and knows much about dreams. She has told me that I am all the people in my dreams. This has given me much to ponder in the past. Another friend, a spiritual director, quotes St. Ignatius as saying "clarity is the root of discernment." You have pondered and discerned much, and do have clarity (in your waking hours) that you are ready to go. Unfortunately, selling a house in winter is not always easiest, though usually only serious buyers are looking. Th... Aine, I have a wise friend who has studied and knows much about dreams. She has told me that I am all the people in my dreams. This has given me much to ponder in the past. Another friend, a spiritual director, quotes St. Ignatius as saying “clarity is the root of discernment.” You have pondered and discerned much, and do have clarity (in your waking hours) that you are ready to go. Unfortunately, selling a house in winter is not always easiest, though usually only serious buyers are looking. The market will heat up in spring. (As I recall, you live in the Midwest USA.) Trust, if you can, that when you have put your needs and truth out into the Universe, at the right moment, movement will come. I pray with you in this in-between time, my friend. Read More3 Reply Aine6 years agoAineThank you, Pilgrim! I believe the I-am-everyone approach is Jungian? I remember a pastoral counselor friend of mine mentioning that to me years ago when we were discussing dreams and their meanings. Fascinating stuff. Hmmm. I wonder how that would apply to dreams like those of OT Joseph and NT Joseph? Ah, well, those were direct messages from God, and Carl Jung wasn't around then. ???? We are still inching towards being ready to list. One hiccup is that I have had a very strong urging not... Thank you, Pilgrim! I believe the I-am-everyone approach is Jungian? I remember a pastoral counselor friend of mine mentioning that to me years ago when we were discussing dreams and their meanings. Fascinating stuff. Hmmm. I wonder how that would apply to dreams like those of OT Joseph and NT Joseph? Ah, well, those were direct messages from God, and Carl Jung wasn’t around then. ???? We are still inching towards being ready to list. One hiccup is that I have had a very strong urging not to set up with a realtor here, only on the other end. This was strong enough that I am heeding it. I have NO idea what God is up to with that wrinkle, but it was too clear to ignore. When I questioned recently if this was still the case, I was answered with a dream that clearly said, “Pack.” As it mirrored the inner feeling I already was becoming aware of, I’m packing, I’m packing! I feel a bit like Noah must have felt, only on a lesser scale, in being nudged to prepare for something without any clear idea of how or when. “An Ark. Really, God? Okay, sure thing! Um, I have a question. What’s an Ark? Oh. So that’s an Ark. Why do I need an Ark? To protect from lots of rain. Okay. Um, what’s rain exactly?” Read More0 Reply Patjos6 years agoPatjosI wish you all Peace and Joy today, may we find a place to rest a while and to take a breath. May we find our Peace in that breath and may we find our Joy in that Peace. Which reminds me… that my Love is not my own, but ours, that my Peace is not my own, but ours to share. And though I use the word ‘my’, I believe that Love is not a thing to hold, to own, but Love is Love, it is who we are. And I can know Love. And WE can know Peace. And we can KNOW Joy. Who is this Love, this P... I wish you all Peace and Joy today, may we find a place to rest a while and to take a breath. May we find our Peace in that breath and may we find our Joy in that Peace. Which reminds me… that my Love is not my own, but ours, that my Peace is not my own, but ours to share. And though I use the word ‘my’, I believe that Love is not a thing to hold, to own, but Love is Love, it is who we are. And I can know Love. And WE can know Peace. And we can KNOW Joy. Who is this Love, this Peace, this Joy? Is it far from us, is it outside of us, of course we know that this is not true! It is who WE are, where WE are, here in this holy place of you and me, of us. Who is this Courage, this Hope, this Strength, if not our Love? Having read today’s Daily Question, I decided that I would plant seeds today. Instead of simply planting, I find that I am, at present harvesting past seeds planted, seeds which have grown within me (us) and are even now, bearing fruit. Let us sow AND reap today. We shall ALL plant, we shall all water and wait and tend. Happy Day everyone. :))) Read More4 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful seaAll the colors of the rainbow back to you, Patjos. 2 Reply Anna6 years agoAnnaThank you Patjios. Your icon reflects your inner light! 1 Reply Aine6 years agoAineThank you, Patrick! You are a ray of sunshine! This morning is gray and cloudy, rather monochromatic outside my window, but your post is like when a brilliant shaft of sunlight shines out between a space in the clouds, plunging like a golden sword to pierce the earth. One of my old teachers used to call them “Going Home Clouds,” because they looked like you could walk them straight to heaven. 5 Reply Patjos6 years agoPatjosI love that, so very poetic, “plunging like a golden sword to pierce the earth.” Have a fantastic day 🙂 1 Reply Diane6 years agoDianeLovely Patjos…what a beautiful reflection for me to read this morning as I get ready to venture out into the world. My intention is to sow and reap peace and love today as I go. Thank you for sharing. Sending right back to you these wishes for a day filled with much joy 🙂 2 Reply Patjos6 years agoPatjosReceived with Love 🙂 0 Reply Mary Helen Hoag6 years agoMary Helen HoagI am grateful tonight for the soothing sound of rain falling on the roof. My grieving heart is somehow comforted by the beautiful pitter patter. 1 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful seaDear Mary Helen, I am thinking of you now, holding your heart in mine for this moment. Thank you for being here with us. 0 Reply Mary Helen Hoag6 years agoMary Helen HoagMy heart is so grateful for your message. Lovely. Simply lovely. 1 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful sea❤️ 0 Reply Ose6 years agoOseToday when I went outside to walk in the snow, all day the skies were cloudy. But then, suddenly the sun showed up and the clouds moved aside, and spots of blue sky and golden reflexes around made my heart joyful right away. My prayers will be with you the next days. May they bring these reflexes to your soul and heart, dear Mary Helen Hoag. 1 Reply Diane6 years agoDianeDear MaryHelen: It is raining here as well and this morning I sat in our sun room listening to the sound and sitting in the comfort that it brings….so magical this rain. ~Sending you healing thoughts 0 Reply Aine6 years agoAineYes, a certain type of rain can seem as if heaven itself grieves with us. I am sorry for your pain but thankful you felt some comfort in the sound of rain. 1 Reply Patjos6 years agoPatjosWhat a lovely sound the rain makes :))) 1 Reply manda6 years agomandaI am grateful for an amazing day with family and friends yesterday! Jack loves having company and loving chaos in our home <3 I am grateful for forest adventures sledding – a bum knee that it is about to be nursed in a hot bath – what a treat! Lovely to have a perfect lazy day with Jack and winter wonderland, sun blooming drive ????I had a most delicious treat of tomato basil soup! Sleep has been lacking the last couple of nights, but so grateful for the days when I...I am grateful ... I am grateful for an amazing day with family and friends yesterday! Jack loves having company and loving chaos in our home <3 I am grateful for forest adventures sledding – a bum knee that it is about to be nursed in a hot bath – what a treat! Lovely to have a perfect lazy day with Jack and winter wonderland, sun blooming drive ????I had a most delicious treat of tomato basil soup! Sleep has been lacking the last couple of nights, but so grateful for the days when I…I am grateful for an amazing day with family and friends yesterday! Jack loves having company and loving chaos in our home <3 and to end my day with girl time with a most sweet friend! I am grateful for forest adventures sledding – a bum knee that it is about to be nursed in a hot bath – what a treat! Lovely to have a perfect lazy day with Jack and winter wonderland, sun blooming drive ????I had a most delicious treat of tomato basil soup! Sleep has been lacking the last couple of nights, but so grateful for the days when I am able to enjoy a bit of a siesta <3 Grateful to Sounds True for the free Mindfulness and Meditation that started today – you are free to access it as well if interested :http://live.soundstrue.com/mindfulness-meditation-summit/?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MMS-TYRegister&utm_content=Thank+You+for+Registering+for+The+Mindfulness+%26+Meditation+Summit For those who are taking the Happiness session – are you enjoying it?? I am grateful for my incredible shoulders – they pivot in so many directions! How fascinating our bodies are of mechanical movement and living without us of even thinking – it just knows what to do! Sending loving hugs to you and magical kisses to our beautiful world; may tomorrow be full of peace, joy, and ease <3 Read More4 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful seaDear Manda, how your joy overflows into blessings all around you! And to me as I read your words. Sending wishes for continued healing to you and your gentle Jack bear. 1 Reply manda6 years agomandaThank you sweet grateful sea – your words are such comfort! Love to you my friend <3 0 Reply Diane6 years agoDianeGood morning dear Manda. I love your gratitude towards your shoulders! it was so good for me to read that because most of my fibromyalgia pain has been in my shoulders lately! It reminds me that I can still be grateful for them….and for all the therapies that are available to me….wonderful gifts. I am seeing my acupuncturist this afternoon and having another deep tissue massage session on Friday. It is all grace my friend! ~Much love to you and healing for your bum knee 🙂 2 Reply manda6 years agomandaIsn’t it just a piece of heaven to notice what does feel so amazing! How did your acupuncture visit go? Sending love to you from one of your magical places, covered in a bit of snow, and critters abound celebrating the winter festivities 🙂 0 Reply Aine6 years agoAineHi, Manda! Oh what a happy thought, a sledding adventure! I haven't done that in years. Maybe once we move as it is so flat here that there aren't many good sledding hills that are not owned by someone. I would love to own a good sledding hill so I could share it with local kids. ???????? The Happiness Course is great! I have been enjoying the material and found new things to consider. One is that there may be a backdoor to happiness built into many of us from dysfunctional families via a... Hi, Manda! Oh what a happy thought, a sledding adventure! I haven’t done that in years. Maybe once we move as it is so flat here that there aren’t many good sledding hills that are not owned by someone. I would love to own a good sledding hill so I could share it with local kids. ???????? The Happiness Course is great! I have been enjoying the material and found new things to consider. One is that there may be a backdoor to happiness built into many of us from dysfunctional families via a positive amygdala reaction that is activated during compassion. I emailed the course to ask if I was understanding that correctly as they did not go into detail about it. The Three Good Things practice is nice, too, and I have shared it with others. I find it is akin to a Gratitude practice I do from a TEDtalk by Dr. Amit Sood. I have been doing the Pain Management pack on Headspace, and your shoulder comment reminded me of how he suggests spending equal time during a body scan on what feels good as well what hurts. He says the mind’s tendency is to head right for what hurts, even if most of the rest of the body doesn’t. So I have been practicing picking a body part that feels good and diverting the mind from the painful bit by saying, “Wow! Does my right elbow feel GOOD!” Or, “How about that left knee, eh? Pretty good today!” I felt like an idiot at first, but it does seem to help lessen the automatic reactivity in the brain regarding pain. Have you baked anything wonderful lately? Read More2 Reply manda6 years agomandaI am so happy you are enjoying the course and finding fulfillment/meaning in the material! I will watch this TEDTalk – I am not sure if I have seen this one or not. How are you feeling today? Yes- I am at 100% whole wheat red fife sourdough and it is the most amazing flavor of bread I have tasted! Lots of love sweet friend <3 0 Reply Anna6 years agoAnnaIt is very interesting Aine! 0 Reply Anna6 years agoAnnatoday at work it was an intense and nervous day. At the end, a dear colleague called me up and asked me for help in a new task. I had to go to her house and explain some topics because we did not have time at work. We work as consultants, so we are often in different places and rarely meet. She thanked me a lot, but he is always ready to help me. kindness always brings a continuous spread of kindness and love. So when I came back to my house, my husband had already prepared a tasty pasta with... today at work it was an intense and nervous day. At the end, a dear colleague called me up and asked me for help in a new task. I had to go to her house and explain some topics because we did not have time at work. We work as consultants, so we are often in different places and rarely meet. She thanked me a lot, but he is always ready to help me. kindness always brings a continuous spread of kindness and love. So when I came back to my house, my husband had already prepared a tasty pasta with octopus … Although I am a little worried about work, because there is a lack of resources and an excess of tasks to perform, I feel grateful, and this is a consequence of a new attitude towards life. When I got rid of my first depression, I could enjoy life, because I finally saw the joyous circumstances in front of me. Then, a few years ago, I felt a strange and continuous anger and I feared the a new depression, like a horrible dark tube that held me back and prevented me from enjoying my life, again. But that was my sure inner treasure: that fear saved me from another depression, because I felt that something was going wrong, and I sought for professional help. Now, I know I’m more resilient, but I’m still far from surrender and acceptance of pain as welcome guests. Yet it’s a work in progress, I’m not desperate! I am also grateful to everyone here for these uplifting discussions. Palm, you’re so kind … you came to the Lounge after my answer to Ose! Be well, dear friend, you’re on the road with this “magical” community (as Manda says!) Dear friends, feel a big hug from me, and enjoy your evening, or day, warm or cold, wherever you are! Read More5 Reply Palm6 years agoPalmDear Anna, thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience, it’s very valuable to me, for a long time I have been thinking of seeking professional help, and being here with all of you is the right road for sure, as Aine says this community is indispensable. It’s a blessing you had the help of your husband after a stressful day. I wish you and family another beautiful evening ???? 1 Reply Diane6 years agoDianeCara Anna….thank you for sharing. As I sit here this morning I am sending you a warm hug and wishes for a day filled with kindness and love….I agree with you that it comes back to us when we give freely. ~Blessings my friend 2 Reply Aine6 years agoAineCara Anna, thank you for sharing from your heart. It does help us all to know that we are not alone in our feelings and experiences, that we share a common frail, yet resilient, humanity that often hurts. How wonderful that your husband had prepared dinner, a little TLC at the end of a hard day helps so much! I am sorry your resources at work feel spread so thin. That does increase anxiety, since the basic fear of anxiety is not having or being enough to meet whatever challenge is before you... Cara Anna, thank you for sharing from your heart. It does help us all to know that we are not alone in our feelings and experiences, that we share a common frail, yet resilient, humanity that often hurts. How wonderful that your husband had prepared dinner, a little TLC at the end of a hard day helps so much! I am sorry your resources at work feel spread so thin. That does increase anxiety, since the basic fear of anxiety is not having or being enough to meet whatever challenge is before you. The positive side of that, of course, is that some wonderful creative thinking happens when you look for other ways to have “enough” for the challenge! ???? I agree about being a work in progress. I used to see healing more as a series of steps to climb, landings to reach, until one reached the destination where, oh, I don’t know, I guess where I thought I’d finally have myself better assembled somehow. ???? Now I am viewing it more as a journey than a destination. Healing is a journey, forgiving is a journey, relationship is a journey. And every process consists of day after day, moment by moment, of faithful practices that all add up to a life. I would love to practice my life in such a way that there is no home for depression within me, though I think perhaps it will always be a possibility. But this, this possibility we do not wish to happen is part of what keeps us practicing, and practicing is what keeps us healthier and happier. Thus even the fear of it can be used to promote goodness in our lives. A good counselor is an invaluable tool. I have been very blessed in that regard with two pastoral counselors over the years who have helped me more than they can possibly know. A big hug back to you, dear Anna! May your day today be filled with the beautiful feeling of Enoughness. Read More2 Reply manda6 years agomandaSending you a beautiful, sunshiney hug sweetie Anna <3 2 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful seaDear Anna, I am glad you were able to relax after an intense day. Thank you for sharing more of your experience with depression. I too have been helped in the past by skilled, compassionate professional counselors. Art therapy was especially helpful to me. Yes, this is a magical community of open, warm hearts and I am so grateful to be among you all, slowly creeping out of my shell. I will try to make a separate post to reply to those (Ose, Palm, Aine) I could not directly reply to in the di... Dear Anna, I am glad you were able to relax after an intense day. Thank you for sharing more of your experience with depression. I too have been helped in the past by skilled, compassionate professional counselors. Art therapy was especially helpful to me. Yes, this is a magical community of open, warm hearts and I am so grateful to be among you all, slowly creeping out of my shell. I will try to make a separate post to reply to those (Ose, Palm, Aine) I could not directly reply to in the discussion below, but first I need to rest. A big hug back to you, Anna, sweet dreams. Read More2 Reply Anna6 years agoAnnaI am writing here because the discussion below is so articulated that I don’t know where to start???? 2 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful seaHello Anna, I feel the same confusion, especially as I can see no buttons to click so that I can reply to the beautiful replies to my reply…. 1 Reply Aine6 years agoAineI have noticed that sometimes Reply disappears after a certain number of exchanges between people. Not sure if that is accurate, but it seems that way. 0 Reply Aine6 years agoAineAnd in honor of all those struggling right now, from a fellow struggler… 4 Reply Anna6 years agoAnnaI agree dear Aine, that is actually what has happened to me! 0 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful seaThank you, dear Aine. Waiting, hoping for such mystery to come about. 1 Reply Aine6 years agoAineOh, dear Grateful, it already is! You may not always feel it, but it is already coming about! 0 Reply Aine6 years agoAineI would amend that to what FEELS to us like our weakest points since it may feel that way without actually BEING that way. 0 Reply Aine6 years agoAineI am sitting here in the deck greenhouse basking in the sun and warmer temperatures, so naturally I thought of you all! Two of the three dogs are asleep in a sunbeam beside my chair, and the chickens are happily clucking and crowing outside the door and down in the grass. I fed them earlier, but every so often they like to suggest I might want to do so again. I had such a good day pain wise yesterday that I was amazed. I think the new approach is helping. Then today it is not so good, bu... I am sitting here in the deck greenhouse basking in the sun and warmer temperatures, so naturally I thought of you all! Two of the three dogs are asleep in a sunbeam beside my chair, and the chickens are happily clucking and crowing outside the door and down in the grass. I fed them earlier, but every so often they like to suggest I might want to do so again. I had such a good day pain wise yesterday that I was amazed. I think the new approach is helping. Then today it is not so good, but I know this is a process rather than a flip the switch kind of thing. Healing damaged bits just takes time. I am grateful to see the sun again, thankful for a time of sitting with emotions this morning, and glad that I can be quiet to do so. Later, I will write some on the blog to prepare for going live. I will share the link once we have one! I have missed being in here. The end of last week and weekend got busy for me. I was able to go to acupuncture, get my hair cut afterwards, cook three kinds of soup for a friend who is facing breadt cancer surgery this week, and then go to book club on Sunday to deliver it, followed by errands. That may not sound like a big deal, but simply being at a place where I CAN plan these things with a reasonable hope they will happen is much healing progress! It was not so long ago I would have had no stamina and been in too much pain to do this kind of weekend. I am very very grateful! Read More3 Reply manda6 years agomandaI am so happy sweetie Aine you had a good pain day yesterday! How amazing this must have felt in your body, heart, soul <3 1 Reply Aine6 years agoAineThank you, Manda, it was something I noticed on reflection rather than during, more of a "Hey, wow! Look what you did!!" that showed me a huge difference from where I was a year ago. I have had a real block with cooking as it was always a huge coping mechanism for me, passed down by a codependent grandmother(!), so I had to talk myself through and take it easy. I wanted to do this for my friend as she lives alone. That way she could eat something healthy easily post surgery. I centered on... Thank you, Manda, it was something I noticed on reflection rather than during, more of a “Hey, wow! Look what you did!!” that showed me a huge difference from where I was a year ago. I have had a real block with cooking as it was always a huge coping mechanism for me, passed down by a codependent grandmother(!), so I had to talk myself through and take it easy. I wanted to do this for my friend as she lives alone. That way she could eat something healthy easily post surgery. I centered on cancer fighting foods to encourage her. I made a chicken congee with ginger, garlic, and cordyceps, a non dairy Butternut Squash Bisque, and a Tomato Vegetable Basil soup with the canned tomatoes, garlic, and frozen basil all coming from our organic garden’s production of seasons past. She was especially thrilled to see the tomato, it apparently being one of her favorites. And not to seem immodest, but I do make a wonderful tomato soup. ???? It is nothing like a can of Campbells! Read More1 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful seaIt really is wonderful to read of your active weekend, Aine, as I do understand it is a big deal for you. Sending a celebratory hug. Oh my, three kinds of soup! Soup so healing to the body and soul. Such a loving thing to do for your friend. Glad you are now enjoying some rest in the sun with your furry and feathery companions. I used to keep chickens and miss their contented/curious/comical natures. 1 Reply Aine6 years agoAineThank you, grateful. I know you DO understand! ???? I was so happy tomato was one of her favorites. She is already actively modifying her diet where necessary to help her body fight and has been asking me for input, that being one of my things. ???? There is something empowering about knowing that you are giving your body the tools to do its job, even to fight, and feeling empowered is encouraging! The chickens have brought me a lot of joy since we started letting them free range. They are... Thank you, grateful. I know you DO understand! ???? I was so happy tomato was one of her favorites. She is already actively modifying her diet where necessary to help her body fight and has been asking me for input, that being one of my things. ???? There is something empowering about knowing that you are giving your body the tools to do its job, even to fight, and feeling empowered is encouraging! The chickens have brought me a lot of joy since we started letting them free range. They are so danged HAPPY! I worried at first about their safety, but they have done well. We have actually had less loss with them out and about than we did when they were in a fenced run under poultry netting! It has made me think about life, too, how it is better to accept the risks inherent to living and choose to be happy out in the world than to hide away in my “coop” under layers of poultry netting for safety but never enjoy life as I could have done. Chickens may not be the brightest of God’s creatures in some ways, but they are rather wise in their own way. (Hmmm…I shall probably write about this chicken wisdom in a blog post…) Hugs back to you! Read More1 Reply Diane6 years agoDianeGood morning lovely people: Well.....we are having a "heat wave" of sorts....35 degrees yesterday and all the way up to 52 today!! So I ventured out....ending my self-imposed hibernation to visit with the horses yesterday morning. I have missed my walks and my visits with them...it was breathtaking to see the field filled with these beauties. There were so many of them and it made me wonder if their muscles were as happy as mine to be soaking up the warm sunshine! It wasn't a long wa... Good morning lovely people: Well…..we are having a “heat wave” of sorts….35 degrees yesterday and all the way up to 52 today!! So I ventured out….ending my self-imposed hibernation to visit with the horses yesterday morning. I have missed my walks and my visits with them…it was breathtaking to see the field filled with these beauties. There were so many of them and it made me wonder if their muscles were as happy as mine to be soaking up the warm sunshine! It wasn’t a long walk but it rejuvenated my spirits and for a little while I forgot about my fibromyalgia pain, which has been visiting me full force as of late. I had a long overdue visit with my acupuncturist (again…I’ve been in hibernation!) on Saturday and will be going again on Tuesday….followed by a therapeutic deep tissue massage on Friday. I can be grateful even for the pain because it reminds me that I have the blessing and absolute privilege to receive these therapies….not to mention Advil and heating pads! I took Wesley out for a romp in the fields this morning…again a very short little walk but one that was filled with gratitude. It is cloudy today but I greeted Brother Sun anyway…he’s hiding, but he is up there shining behind the blanket of grey. I heard the chirping of a tufted titmouse and spotted a Robin…surely spring is just around the corner! I am reminded of the healing power of nature. And how much I missed being among her generous gifts. I am learning a lot about patience and hope…. and although I am happy to see this warmer weather, I am so grateful for my hygge sensibilities and intentions this winter! They have been put to good use and have brought me the joy that I often lose during this season. ~Sending you all wishes for a day filled with unknown blessings and unexpected joys. Read More3 Reply manda6 years agomandaOh dear Diane a field of horses just sounds simply delightful! I am so happy friend you were able to enjoy such a lovely time with those beauties <3 Patience and hope – just divine! 0 Reply Aine6 years agoAineIt is decent here today, too, Diane. Isn’t Mud a beautiful color after seeing white for so long? ???? 0 Reply Diane6 years agoDianeYes! I love seeing green and brown again! Although we didn’t get a ton a snow…it has really been the frigid temps that have been challenging me! I love the quote you shared with us Aine…..thank you for the reminder of that grace. ~Evening blessings 0 Reply Aine6 years agoAineThey have challenged me, too, Diane. I have reminded myself of you and your hygge resolve on more than one occasion. I have to say that aside from my Snowtrum and writing a couple very grumpy winter haikus, I have done better than I thought. I have been listening to a "Dawn Chorus" recording made by a friend in her garden a few years ago. They do the videos for things like those little shorts you see in museums on the natural world, so the quality is quite good. I play her recording while al... They have challenged me, too, Diane. I have reminded myself of you and your hygge resolve on more than one occasion. I have to say that aside from my Snowtrum and writing a couple very grumpy winter haikus, I have done better than I thought. I have been listening to a “Dawn Chorus” recording made by a friend in her garden a few years ago. They do the videos for things like those little shorts you see in museums on the natural world, so the quality is quite good. I play her recording while allowing the screensaver on my computer to roll. I have it set on a file of images I took on a beautiful summer’s day when the corn was tassleing. Then I think sun filled thoughts. ???? I have asked my husband if there is a way to make it into a slideshow I could share with you all here so you all could relax in the Ohio summer countryside for a spell. I will post if we can make it happen. One of the blog posts I wrote but have not put up yet is on The Resilience of Grass. That always amazes me! Hope your acupuncture appointment today helps escort the pain out. Have you ever heard of a BioMat? My acupuncturist has them on the tables, and we love them! There have been times it felt like it slurped the pain right out of me! You can buy them online, though they are not cheap. Not horrible, depending on the size, but not cheap. I tried to get insurance to cover and even had a doctor’s prescription! The answer? “Sure, we’ll cover it!” But then we found that they would only cover $83 of the charge, paying the distributor a fraction of what the item costs. So I did not get one as we were severely underemployed at the time, but if you have the material resources available, it might well be helpful. It comes in chair, massage table, and bed sizes. “My strength is made perfect in weakness” is both an encouraging and a challenging verse. So often I find myself exclaiming like a child, “But I don’t wanna be weak!” as if I am being sent to bed early or told to go nap instead of play. Reframing it as something that is actually being used helps me see it more wholly. Blessings to you this day. God be in your road! Read More 1 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful seaGood morning Diane, how lovely to read your update. Thank you. It’s been warmer but cloudy here, too, with rain coming later today, and I have been thinking often of the prayer you shared and silently saying “let me see the glory in the gray.” Blessings to you. 2 Reply Diane6 years agoDianeDear grateful sea……I hope that you have had a day filled with a glorious joy! ~Blessings for a peace-filled evening 1 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful seaThank you, Diane. Blessings to you on this day. 0 Reply Nancy6 years agoNancyHere are my mantra rocks to remind me how to live my life ???? 4 Reply manda6 years agomandaI just love these Nancy! Thank you for sharing! Instead of making heart ornaments next month, perhaps I will wrangle a lot of small friends and make such gems to put in the forest for people <3 2 Reply Nancy6 years agoNancySounds like a wonderful idea. It is fun to hide them for others to find. When I double back to their hiding places and see that they are gone, I like to imagine who found them and how it may have made them feel – hopefully starting with a smile ???? 0 Reply Aine6 years agoAineI love that thought, Manda! Makes me think maybe I ought to do a batch for my husband to stash around campus for the kids to find. Do you or Nancy know what type of paints are needed or is there a final poly spray? I used a paint pen on some smooth rocks once, but it came off fast. It would make me smile to paint rocks again, reminding me of when the neighborhood kids made beautiful art on our porch. ???? It did get one of the parents to come down once, pick up the kids, chat a bit...a... I love that thought, Manda! Makes me think maybe I ought to do a batch for my husband to stash around campus for the kids to find. Do you or Nancy know what type of paints are needed or is there a final poly spray? I used a paint pen on some smooth rocks once, but it came off fast. It would make me smile to paint rocks again, reminding me of when the neighborhood kids made beautiful art on our porch. ???? It did get one of the parents to come down once, pick up the kids, chat a bit…and beg “No more rocks! Please!” They had three of the kiddos, and apparently their apartment was fast filling up with joyfully painted rocks! Read More1 Reply Nancy6 years agoNancyI imagine my family and friends might be saying the same thing "No more rocks!" That is funny. I always seem to find a place for another. And I always have my garden. You asked about type of paint - I use acrylic paint and oil-based paint pens and coat with a clear acrylic sealer (I use Mod Podge) all from Wal-Mart or Michaels. Rock painting for me is my therapy. In my retirement I am rediscovering my artistic side. It is so much fun and I get lost in the task. Easier on my blood-sugar ... I imagine my family and friends might be saying the same thing “No more rocks!” That is funny. I always seem to find a place for another. And I always have my garden. You asked about type of paint – I use acrylic paint and oil-based paint pens and coat with a clear acrylic sealer (I use Mod Podge) all from Wal-Mart or Michaels. Rock painting for me is my therapy. In my retirement I am rediscovering my artistic side. It is so much fun and I get lost in the task. Easier on my blood-sugar than baking was! Read More1 Reply Aine6 years agoAineHow pretty and uplifting! 2 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful seaVery nice, Nancy. Rocks and stones have always spoken to me too. 2 Reply Nancy6 years agoNancyMy home is filled with rocks and shells leaving not much room to prop your feet on the coffee table ???? 0 Reply Patjos6 years agoPatjosThese are lovely! Am seeing stones like this everywhere, I can see a weekend crafting coming up! :))) 2 Reply Nancy6 years agoNancyEnjoy! 0 Reply Diane6 years agoDianeI love them Nancy! How creative and fun. I have been looking for a creative outlet and you’ve inspired me. I’m not very artistic but I think I could do something like this 🙂 Thank you for sharing them…so delightful! 2 Reply Nancy6 years agoNancyYou are more artistic than you think! My daughter always says she is not artistic. But, you should see the beautiful things she knits for me and others. 0 Reply Cintia6 years agoCintiaBeautiful!!! Good reminder 🙂 1 Reply Nancy6 years agoNancyThis is where I start my morning with my cup of coffee. And, I find I linger here so long that I am always out the door late of my walk. That is ok – my walk will always be there. I cannot think of a better way to start the day. Many blessings and warm hugs to all you today and every day ???? 5 Reply Aine6 years agoAineIt is a rather beautiful way to enrich our days, isn’t it? ❤️ 1 Reply Nancy6 years agoNancy❤️ 0 Reply Cintia6 years agoCintiaEvery day, during my time here in the Community, during my pray, my meditation time, I think about grateful living. I try do practice it in my thoughts, words and actions. In my relations in my family, job and others. I believe, to be lasting, I need to nourish daily. In special, today, I realized how gratefulness enrich my life, in a deep experience. My husband and I decided eat lunch in a restaurant. Normally we prepare our food at home, spend the time talking and playing with Scot. B... Every day, during my time here in the Community, during my pray, my meditation time, I think about grateful living. I try do practice it in my thoughts, words and actions. In my relations in my family, job and others. I believe, to be lasting, I need to nourish daily. In special, today, I realized how gratefulness enrich my life, in a deep experience. My husband and I decided eat lunch in a restaurant. Normally we prepare our food at home, spend the time talking and playing with Scot. But today we decided to go in a restaurant. We found a very nice place. The table was in the out side the restaurant, under a tree, big shadow. The weather perfect, sun, some clouds and the wind… how wonderful is the wind! Touching my skin in a friendly way, like a warm hug. The food was delicious. And I thougth; Oh my God, this moment is perfect. Thank you! After lunch, we were coming home, when a car in high speed crossed in front of us. Just one second, my husband shouted and I stopped the car. Nothing happened, the other car continous his way. We didn’t collided. But it was for very, very little. Of course I was scared, terror, but at the same time, I felt peace and I can felt grateful for my life, my husband’s life, and the other driver’s life. I was able to understand, things like that happens all the time. Unfortunately, here, people drink and drive. But I was able to understand and feel, the practice grateful living in my life. In a few minutes before, I was present in the moment, enjoying the food, the weather. I don’t have control about the events, but I can try to control my feelings. And the feeling I felt after this event, showed me how important is count my blessings! When I arrived at home, the first thing I did, I kneel and giving thanks for coming home safely. Loving wishes to you! Wishes of fraternal love and peace. Read More 7 Reply Aine6 years agoAineSo glad you were all safe, Cintia! Those sorts of reminders of how fast things can change do prompt much gratitude for what we have — after our hearts start beating again, of course! People drink and drive here, too, sadly. 1 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful seaDear Cintia, I am so very glad you and your husband came through that scary situation okay. Thank you for another lovely flower, looks like so many candles. 1 Reply Cintia6 years agoCintiaThank you 🙂 0 Reply Diane6 years agoDianeCintia...thank you for sharing your day with us. I am inspired by the fact that, despite the scary almost-collision, you remember this day with gratitude and an awareness of the blessings that were there. And thank you so much dear Cintia for always sharing your beautiful flowers with us. You have been given a very special gift....a "green thumb" it seems and I always love seeing what is blooming in your home. What is this one called? It is so different and unique...I've never seen anyth... Cintia…thank you for sharing your day with us. I am inspired by the fact that, despite the scary almost-collision, you remember this day with gratitude and an awareness of the blessings that were there. And thank you so much dear Cintia for always sharing your beautiful flowers with us. You have been given a very special gift….a “green thumb” it seems and I always love seeing what is blooming in your home. What is this one called? It is so different and unique…I’ve never seen anything like this here in the U.S. ~Blessings dear friend Read More1 Reply Cintia6 years agoCintiaThank you sweet Diane!! Is the Pachystachys lutea, the popular name is: yellow shrimp. Blessings dear Diane! 0 Reply Nancy6 years agoNancyI am glad you and your husband are safe and no collision! Must have really shaken you up a bit. It shows us how things can change in an instant with no warning. Moments like that for me have taught me that life can be taken away so quickly and to not waste my time on things that don’t really matter. Lovings wishes to you, Cintia. Have a lovely day ???? 1 Reply Cintia6 years agoCintiaHave a lovely day too Nancy!! 🙂 1 Reply Ose6 years agoOseMy goodness, so good that nothing badly happened to you, your husband and the other driver! I hope that you and your husband recovered at least to some extend from the shock it must have caused. How centered you were and bold. To me, you are an inspiration the way you managed. Hope you both will have a good and recovering sleep. Feel embraced, dear Cintia. 2 Reply Cintia6 years agoCintiaThank you! We be fine and we had a good and recovering sleep. Feel embraced too dear Ose 🙂 1 Reply THenry6 years agoTHenryDear Cintia, blessings on you and your husband, that you are safe and sound. What a scare you must have had. Situations like that drive home “present in the moment” don’t they? Minus the scare, it was a wonderful day for you both and one that you will long remember. 1 Reply Cintia6 years agoCintiaYes, it was a wonderful day! Thank you for your words. Have a magical day THenry 🙂 0 Reply Anna6 years agoAnnaDear Ose, I hope that you are keeping on your journey towards healing. I hope that your week end has been good, and that you have savoured those little joys that can softly uplift our soul. I pray for you, because I feel that you are passing through a hard time. Stay here, though without feeling pressure. I believe that each one is close to you. Once, at least two years ago, you encouraged me to stay here. Here I am, and everyone is a teacher for me. I send you a big hug dear friend. Warmly. 4 Reply Erich6176 years agoErich617The quote Aine shared–“Depression does not mean you are weak — it means you have been strong for too long”–really resonates with me. My hardest times have been those when I felt I could not be vulnerable or open about my fears and pain because others needed me to be strong. 1 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful seaHello, Eric. Thank you for your comment. When I look at my own life in this light, I think it is very true and a good insight. 0 Reply Nancy6 years agoNancy❤️ 1 Reply Ose6 years agoOseDear Anna, thanks for your friendly encouragement and warmth, and your prayers. I felt very much of support from you and all the other dear people here, especially while I passed this hard time recently. At least, for the moment being, it feels as if it is over in it´s worst... Yes, I am grateful for having the chance to spend some days in the mountains together with a friend. We have had lots of fresh snow yesterday, and relaxing time here is much appreciated and needed by both of us. It is ... Dear Anna, thanks for your friendly encouragement and warmth, and your prayers. I felt very much of support from you and all the other dear people here, especially while I passed this hard time recently. At least, for the moment being, it feels as if it is over in it´s worst… Yes, I am grateful for having the chance to spend some days in the mountains together with a friend. We have had lots of fresh snow yesterday, and relaxing time here is much appreciated and needed by both of us. It is a beautiful place, where we gratefully savor delicious vegetarian food and an atmosphere full of warmth and care. Such a gift after all. Have a beautiful day as well, dear Anna. Read More3 Reply Nancy6 years agoNancy❤️ 0 Reply Palm6 years agoPalmDear Anna and Ose, I have been going through a difficult time too, and the fear of falling into the dark place of depression resurfaced in me. But suddenly your support in yesterday’s question of the day magically lifted the burden of isolation, and I am so grateful. So yes dear friends, let us stay here in this sacred space. Also, I have been thinking of starting to see sad feelings as valuable and not only as a terrible threat I need to get rid of, in order to avoid the hole of depression. W... Dear Anna and Ose, I have been going through a difficult time too, and the fear of falling into the dark place of depression resurfaced in me. But suddenly your support in yesterday’s question of the day magically lifted the burden of isolation, and I am so grateful. So yes dear friends, let us stay here in this sacred space. Also, I have been thinking of starting to see sad feelings as valuable and not only as a terrible threat I need to get rid of, in order to avoid the hole of depression. What is the feeling trying to tell me? I am getting these ideas from a book I have mentioned before, Thomas Moore’s “Care of the Soul”. There is a chapter I haven’t read yet, dedicated to the gifts of depression, maybe I can tell you more about it after I read it. Dear Ose, it is a blessing that you could spend time on the snow, it sounds delicious. Yes to savouring the little joys ! Read More2 Reply grateful sea6 years agograteful seaDear Palm, Anna and Ose, thank you for starting this discussion. Depression is a hard thing to talk about, leads to isolation, so I feel I must say something here, though I don't know what. It is something I have been struggling with most recently for a year now. It really helps to know I am not alone in it here in this sacred space. I think Brother David understands. I remember a short video in which he speaks of it with beautiful compassion, saying one must wait it out and not to force an... Dear Palm, Anna and Ose, thank you for starting this discussion. Depression is a hard thing to talk about, leads to isolation, so I feel I must say something here, though I don’t know what. It is something I have been struggling with most recently for a year now. It really helps to know I am not alone in it here in this sacred space. I think Brother David understands. I remember a short video in which he speaks of it with beautiful compassion, saying one must wait it out and not to force anything, even gratefulness.. That was a balm to my heart. I think he means you must not push the feelings away. Read More3 Reply Ose6 years agoOseI agree, dear grateful sea, pushing feelings away in suppressing way would only move the problem to another area for sure. Suppression would bring it up like "Jack in the box" probably when you expect it the least. So today I reflected all day long, what could help to overcome sadness and depression. First I would guess, it is important to admit that it is so. In me for example, you would not see it so obviously, as I had learned to cover up sadness early in life. This needs change, as I try t... I agree, dear grateful sea, pushing feelings away in suppressing way would only move the problem to another area for sure. Suppression would bring it up like “Jack in the box” probably when you expect it the least. So today I reflected all day long, what could help to overcome sadness and depression. First I would guess, it is important to admit that it is so. In me for example, you would not see it so obviously, as I had learned to cover up sadness early in life. This needs change, as I try to do now with all your kind help, and it helps already! I feel so supported by all of you in dealing with these emotions. I need to become more open, which is on its way now. With your kindness and caring and my letting go, perspective may change to the better. Being in nature, walking and naturally being with the plants, the water and the mountains could be a positive counterpart to sadness and depression. It can change the state quite quickly and lasts, as I experience it, and being outside in the woods on a regular base could prevent swinging into this unhealthy mood, and instead develops strength in keeping a balanced inner mood while facing daily challenges. Something else comes to mind, too. Since at least most of the days, I meditate in the early morning, it helps me to stay focused much better and not to get less lost in what once was or what might be. I tend to extend my thoughts to the future, like: will this or that happen, or will it not?, or will I be able to do this or that, or not? and so on… You here, through your honest and loving participation called me to come out of my self-made cage through your kindness and help me to overcome this recurrent deep sadness. I feel so grateful for being here with you, you here who give all your best to support each one. Palm, grateful sea, Anna, Diane, Manda, Aine, Cintia, Nancy … and as well you who are invisible, as I am sure, your positive support and energy counts even so. Please excuse me for the long post, but may be it could ease pain by telling of my own experience. Read More2 Reply Palm6 years agoPalmDear grateful sea, thank you for being with us with your open heart. I had clinical depression 20 years ago but I still get terrified when I feel any sign of it returning. Perhaps it’s not a bad thing because it draws a kind of strength from within, but it feels lonely doing all this effort and “control” on your own, whereas talking about it lessens the burden. Thank you friend, I hope we can wait this out gently and compassionately. Yes, even gratefulness can wait if needed… with love, Palm 2 Reply Aine6 years agoAineDear grateful, Seeking healing from depression is a big reason I found this sacred space. I was in a very hard place, not sure I could fight through one more time. My pastoral counselor had been suggesting gratitude to me, so I did something brilliant like googling How To Be Grateful. Up popped this site. It has been so important in my healing. Such lovely open hearts here! In the midst of the dark, I was also challenged to develop self-compassion. This, too, has been very helpful in healing... Dear grateful, Seeking healing from depression is a big reason I found this sacred space. I was in a very hard place, not sure I could fight through one more time. My pastoral counselor had been suggesting gratitude to me, so I did something brilliant like googling How To Be Grateful. Up popped this site. It has been so important in my healing. Such lovely open hearts here! In the midst of the dark, I was also challenged to develop self-compassion. This, too, has been very helpful in healing. The compassion we share with each other reaffirms and mirrors that we are worthy of compassion, of understanding, of love, hope, and healing. That helps us rebuild. Isn’t it amazing? Such a huge number of people struggle with depression, but it is so often hidden as if it were a shameful weakness. It is NOT. One of the kindest quotes I ran across on depression was “Depression does not mean you are weak — it means you have been strong for too long.” Hugs to you. You are not alone! Read More
