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…
My goodness. Something happened, something radical. I will try to express it, if you don´t mind. I will try to keep it as short as possible.
I was helped, and I am helped, helped enormously. By you, and you, and especially YOU! How deep is your love. How radically true.
How long does it take to healing a sick mind? Found this today, after having passed complete states of despair again. My mind´s scattered parts finally on its way to be embraced, connected again, by suddenly being able ...
My goodness. Something happened, something radical. I will try to express it, if you don´t mind. I will try to keep it as short as possible.
I was helped, and I am helped, helped enormously. By you, and you, and especially YOU! How deep is your love. How radically true.
How long does it take to healing a sick mind? Found this today, after having passed complete states of despair again. My mind´s scattered parts finally on its way to be embraced, connected again, by suddenly being able to looking from the wider self.
You made this possible, you all here. It is a miracle, after such a long time. How deep is your faith, and your love, you, who helped me, who knew.
It´s on it´s way to integration where there was exclusion.
I was fixed in an averse inner position of disrespect towards men. A deeply fixed perspective, born of a deeply injured body and mind. Since I fought and survived death and endless isolation as a newborn, this fixed paranoia determined my way of being with no chance to change it, despite so many attempts. Until today.
So much pain I felt, so much pain I caused. Please forgive me, you who suffered due to my state of being. You should have been untouched by this but I could not avoid it. Please forgive me. I will let this go now. It won´t happen again. Can I trust myself in this? Yes. I will do all I can to fully integrate what I saw today. There is the light at the end of the tunnel.
Please allow me to send heartfelt greetings to all of you here.
I read the beautiful article of today “After the fall”. It gave the perspective, it inspired to embrace the scattered human bones I felt inside myself so painfully. You made it possible to change perspective, dear Torkin Wakefield. Thank you so very dearly for your precious contribution. You helped as well, dear Ed, moving the mind to meditation the way you conveyed to us.
Dear Diane, I feel deep gratefulness towards you as well. Your post today suddenly opened the door to understanding and healing. Please allow me to repeat part of it, so I may never forget it again. I am moved deeply. They brought me to tears, and to my knees, and then the door opened. Thank you so much. I am aware that integration will take some time and effort, but letting go of old habits of mind is on it´s way now. So deeply grateful.
…
Through God’s strength to pilot me;
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me…..
I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.”
Dearest Ose…..I am grateful that my sharing was of some help and encouragement to you. This is the miracle of this sacred community….we are all wounded healers here. By having the courage to be vulnerable and open about our wounds we give each other a precious gift…and open the door to hope and grace and wholeness.
Thank you for sharing and for being a companion for me on my own healing journey.
~Sending you love and light and a warm hug.
Thanks again, dear Diane, for your warm comment. To be there for another. A clear yes, dear Diane.
Dear Ose, it sounds as if you are doing some deep and holy work within yourself, a process that may seem to take a lot of time. You are noticing and honoring the small movements of hope and healing, which can so often come slowly (in human time). Our wounds, they are a lovely part of us, no? They hold what is true in our experiences, and to bless them for the information given and invitations to heal, maybe this is one of the great invitations of our pilgrimage. As we heal, and it is not easy an...
Dear Ose, it sounds as if you are doing some deep and holy work within yourself, a process that may seem to take a lot of time. You are noticing and honoring the small movements of hope and healing, which can so often come slowly (in human time). Our wounds, they are a lovely part of us, no? They hold what is true in our experiences, and to bless them for the information given and invitations to heal, maybe this is one of the great invitations of our pilgrimage. As we heal, and it is not easy and can first uproot even more pain in memory, perhaps one tear of our universe heals, as well. It seems you have entered into the depths of this invitation. Know that we are with you, holding you to the light, my dear friend from my first pilgrimage on this site. I bow before you and thank you for your brave words and work.
Thanks a lot, dear Pilgrim, a single of the many tears of the universe is turned to be healed. It is moving me deeply that you say you all are with me, holding me to the light.
The sounds of the jungle of old grief had caught me much too long. Thank you dearly for your encouragement.
Dear Ose, how amazing, I am reading a section of Thomas Moore‘s “Care of the Soul”, where he writes about psychological polytheism, which I relate to what you are saying. If we welcome every part of the soul, even conflicting ones that demand something from us, life becomes richer and more interesting, and I would add, more honest. He talks about being flexible and fluid as opposed to moralistic and monotheist. I am finding his words comforting and, as I am also going through an emotional ...
Dear Ose, how amazing, I am reading a section of Thomas Moore‘s “Care of the Soul”, where he writes about psychological polytheism, which I relate to what you are saying. If we welcome every part of the soul, even conflicting ones that demand something from us, life becomes richer and more interesting, and I would add, more honest. He talks about being flexible and fluid as opposed to moralistic and monotheist. I am finding his words comforting and, as I am also going through an emotional patch, I delight in every word of this book. Thanks for sharing and blessings in your journey
Thank you for your support, dear Palm. And all good vibes and flexible approaches for dealing with the emotional theme. I don´t know the author, but he seems to be inspiring. Blessings in your journey, too
Dear Ose, I embrace you with all my heart! And so lift you up to Light in prayers of thanksgiving for this moment you share of your radical healing and for integration, your continued opening. Love, Grateful C.
Thank you, dear grateful sea, for your warm reply. Have a good day!
So glad for you dear Ose! May you always trust this light is always at the end of the tunnel.
I have not read the article yet, but I am going to do it. Anyway, it seems we are here together and why not? I am so proud to be here and take part of your joy, it is like a kind and respectful celebration.
With love
Anna
Thank you, dear Anna. It is quite an emotional process I am currently going through, although I may not be able to convey it. Thanks a lot for your taking care and sharing.
Good afternoon. I’ve been away from the site for awhile, but I wanted to express my gratitude for the snow, which has given my wife two snow days in a row. Today, I am working from home in her company, rather than all by myself.
I hope all of you are well.
Thank you Ricardo!
Hello Ricardo, it is always nice to see your smiling face. I am also grateful for snow, just a blustery dusting here, but it brightens up the winter gray-brown. Enjoy your companionable day.
Good morning lovely people:
I awoke this morning with a case of the grumpies over the continuing coldness.....sad and disappointed in myself that my hygge resolve had left me. But then I noticed the bright sun shining over the snowy farmland behind me.....it looked like the snow was shimmering and shining with little crystals. I saw the woodpecker at our suet feeder, and lit a candle that smelled of clover and moss. Wrapped up in a cozy blanket I did some reading and a guided meditation of...
Good morning lovely people:
I awoke this morning with a case of the grumpies over the continuing coldness…..sad and disappointed in myself that my hygge resolve had left me. But then I noticed the bright sun shining over the snowy farmland behind me…..it looked like the snow was shimmering and shining with little crystals. I saw the woodpecker at our suet feeder, and lit a candle that smelled of clover and moss. Wrapped up in a cozy blanket I did some reading and a guided meditation of “I Arise Today” from St. Patrick’s breastplate and I rediscovered the joy of a new day. I’d like to share this beautiful with all of you….with love and gratitude.
“I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
I arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me;
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me…..
I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.”
Illuminated prayer Diane!!
“I will greet this day with love in my heart.”
God blessing you dear friend
Diane, you are often a source of wonderful prayers that I have never known. I would like to learn all these prayers, may you suggest me a book? Thank you for your encouraging presence in this lounge.
Good morning cara Anna. And I say "thank you" right back to you for always encouraging me!
As for the prayers.....I am a lover of books and read from many different authors and sources. I have a little library of spiritual books in my bookcase that I could recommend to you. I particularly love the prayers that are from the Celtic tradition, like the St. Patrick's breastplate that I shared. I am drawn to these Celtic prayers because they are reflections of God's love expressed through hi...
Good morning cara Anna. And I say “thank you” right back to you for always encouraging me!
As for the prayers…..I am a lover of books and read from many different authors and sources. I have a little library of spiritual books in my bookcase that I could recommend to you. I particularly love the prayers that are from the Celtic tradition, like the St. Patrick’s breastplate that I shared. I am drawn to these Celtic prayers because they are reflections of God’s love expressed through his magnificent Creation. I’ve always felt closest to God through nature and the Celtic spirituality traditions and prayers really speak to me.
One book that I would recommend to you to start with is called “Listening for the Heartbeat of God” by J. Philip Newell. There are many beautiful blessings and prayers within the text of this book. I wonder if it has been translated into Italian?
I have quoted from this book before. I often remind myself on dark, cloudy, gloomy days that “there is glory in the grey” and ask God to show it to me. Since I am so affected by the weather this has been a lovely short little prayer for me! Here is more of this prayer:
“In all created things thou art there.
In every friend we have
the sunshine of thy presence is shown forth.
In every enemy that seems to cross our path,
thou art there within the cloud to challenge us to love.
Show us the glory in the grey.
Awake for us thy presence in the very storm
till all our joys are seen as thee….”
~Have a beautiful day my friend
???????????????? i will seek for the book. I believe that celtic prayer are better in English…this is the original language and though it will be not easy, I will remember them better than in italian. I will read them slowly… Thank you dear Diane!
Good morning, Diane. It is good to read how you were able to reframe your day. I have been struggling with a few of my own “schmoos” this morning. Trying to remember we must give loving-kindness to the unwanted and difficult feelings as well. So that all are welcome in the guest house, as Rumi wrote. Thank you for the lovely meditation. Together we rise. Swiftness of wind is a gratitude for today, so much energy in it.
Grow your roots deep
Reach your branches for the stars
Stand strong
Dear Nancy, your post reminds me a quote by Victor Hugo that I found this morning during my meeting with a customer, at work.
The meaning of the quote is (trying to translate….) that the best for us is to let the leaves fall down and change them, but to hold our deep roots. That suggested me I have to be open, to adapt at the circumstances, but with strong faith in what I love.
Very nice, Nancy! Like a koan. And it goes perfectly with your profile photo.
Thank you dear grateful sea. I really do think I was tree in a past life.
Good morning THenry and Nancy:
Your lovely sharing has reminded me of a beautiful poem by Rumi. Here is a portion that speaks to the miracle and mystery of both rocks and trees.
“There is another world inside this one
no words can describe it.
There is living, but no fear of death;
There is Spring, but never a turn to Autumn.
There are legends and stories
coming from the walls and ceilings.
Even the rocks and trees recite poetry.”
Hi Diane, thank you for sharing. I love the line….”Even the rocks and trees recite poetry”
Lovely poem. Thank you for sharing Diane
????
Songs and poems everywhere…
Trees
From seedling to the clouds
Majestic beings
Solitary, quiet guardians
Keeping watch over God’s front yard
How little we know, and less
We appreciate
They shield us from wind and rain
Offer a hiding place
For wee little ones
Come out, come out……
Pups love to fetch
The countless limbs fallen
As these behemoths shed their skins
To offer new life for those such as we
Even giants face the inevitable
Time takes its toll
You have given us much
Pray, we reali...
Trees
From seedling to the clouds
Majestic beings
Solitary, quiet guardians
Keeping watch over God’s front yard
How little we know, and less
We appreciate
They shield us from wind and rain
Offer a hiding place
For wee little ones
Come out, come out……
Pups love to fetch
The countless limbs fallen
As these behemoths shed their skins
To offer new life for those such as we
Even giants face the inevitable
Time takes its toll
You have given us much
Pray, we realize
We must save what remains
For the sake of our children
T Henry
February 29, 2012
Such a lovely poem, T Henry, thank you for sharing it. Oh, the beauty of standing elders! Great grandparent trees magnificent, even the ghostly ones that are bare and broken from disease, such as the Eastern Hemlocks here. When I come upon one in the woods, I always catch my breath, usually leave the trail to walk the circumference with a hand on the trunk. Often hug. And yes, rejoice in the seedlings, saplings... the hemlock greenness so deeply different than other conifers... hope for the...
Such a lovely poem, T Henry, thank you for sharing it. Oh, the beauty of standing elders! Great grandparent trees magnificent, even the ghostly ones that are bare and broken from disease, such as the Eastern Hemlocks here. When I come upon one in the woods, I always catch my breath, usually leave the trail to walk the circumference with a hand on the trunk. Often hug. And yes, rejoice in the seedlings, saplings… the hemlock greenness so deeply different than other conifers… hope for the future.
Good morning Grateful, hope for the future indeed. I thank God for my eyes and ears each & every time I venture out into the wood. Always in awe, always in love with the beauty surrounding me.
And, the backside of my granddaughter’s rock ????
Thank you THenry for this beautiful poem. I have always loved trees and feel so connected to them. I am not much of an artist but when I draw it is always of a beautiful tree. I have discovered the kindness rock project and have been painting rocks for several months now and seem to paint trees on them. I have painted trees for the seasons for my granddaughter. I will share the one I painted for winter. Many blessings
Nancy
I know a Word Rocks Project (by Carol in San Diego), and I have been painting rocks too! A lovely project!
Morning Nancy, I love the rock paintings, and the sentiment is beautiful. You have talent. Several years ago, while on a hike, I came across a tall pine with many painted rocks and small branches at the base of the pine. Most were just painted with different colors, but a few had designs (a leaf or stick children). I felt as though the person or persons who left them, intended that they should be shared. So............each time I visited that forest, I took one. :). I have many of these scattere...
Morning Nancy, I love the rock paintings, and the sentiment is beautiful. You have talent. Several years ago, while on a hike, I came across a tall pine with many painted rocks and small branches at the base of the pine. Most were just painted with different colors, but a few had designs (a leaf or stick children). I felt as though the person or persons who left them, intended that they should be shared. So…………each time I visited that forest, I took one. :). I have many of these scattered throughout my home, and they add warmth and make me think back on the wonderful journeys I’ve taken in the forests near my home.
Blessings to you and keep painting!!
Thank you for sharing this. My granddaughter and I love to paint rocks then drive through the committee to find a place to tuck it for someone to find
???? Those rocks were meant for you. This all started for me when I found a rock painted with a smile. On the very day I needed a smile. Spreading joy and happiness!
THenry: I decided to check in to our sacred community for encouragement before sleep….and I was greeted by your lovely poem .Thank you for sharing this ode to one of the most magnificent of creations in my opinion (as a biologist AND a being who has always felt a deep spiritual connection to trees). They have indeed “given us much”.
~Blessings
Thank you Diane. I feel so blessed to have discovered this community. I often quote John Muir…..”Going to the woods, is going home”. I feel I am at my best when in the forest. I feel connected spiritually, and always in awe. The tall pines, like a church spire rising to Heaven’s Gate.
Be well this day.
Grateful for this busy day, which started with a kind message, accompanying this day first with dawn light, then hope and some silent joy colored the encounters during the day. I am grateful for this mood of kindness in the air and will fall asleep with a smile. Thank you, life.
I am truly grateful for my Faith and this day!! Thank you Jesus
I am grateful for cool, crisp weather and having my family near me now.
Hello Eric, cool and crisp sounds lovely. It is so nice when the weather cooperates for visiting family. On a different topic, I want to thank you for the compassionate and considered reply you made to Debbie on the question of “longing”. I was moved by what you wrote but didn’t think it made sense to say so there. I agree with your thoughts on the Lincoln quote. Mostly, I want to say that I appreciate you being here.
Thank you. This space has helped me, and I appreciate being here.
I would like to share with you, dear grateful friends, the last orchid of this season (planted in my garden). Now, I’m going to wait six months in order to see the new flowers.
I love to wait, look for and find new flowers buds! The time of the nature, that teach me to be patiente, nurture hope and to keep the faith in the flow of life.
Blessings with fraternal love.
So beautiful, Cintia, thank you. I am not so good with houseplants, but there are tiny wild orchids in the woods here, an early spring surprise.
Oh dear Cintia, I am not able to keep any kind of orchid. Every orchid I had died, at a certain point…maybe I am not such a good gardener as you, and surely you live in a fabulous place!
How beautiful Cintia! I received an orchid for my birthday (in a pot for indoors since I live with snow in the winter). I would love any sage advice!
Hi Nancy!!!
Your orchid is so beautiful!!!
I used the coconut substrate, bark of very small trees between in the roots and I sprinkle a little fertilizer in the foliage 2x a month.
Dear Cintia – thank you for your wonderful advice. I will try it and hope I am successful in keeping this beautiful orchid thriving!
Oh, how lovely, Cintia! Thank you for sharing! My husband and I once "rescued" a bunch of orchids from a home improvement store where they had discounted them right before they threw them out. Unfortunately, they had not been cared for well, and our rescue mission proved fruitless. One day, we will try again with healthier plants!
I do have a Nun's Cap Orchid, though. A friend gave it to me when she was moving and could not take it. That kind is more forgiving of newbies like me. What do you...
Oh, how lovely, Cintia! Thank you for sharing! My husband and I once “rescued” a bunch of orchids from a home improvement store where they had discounted them right before they threw them out. Unfortunately, they had not been cared for well, and our rescue mission proved fruitless. One day, we will try again with healthier plants!
I do have a Nun’s Cap Orchid, though. A friend gave it to me when she was moving and could not take it. That kind is more forgiving of newbies like me. What do you feed your orchids?
Hello Aine!
I used the coconut substrate, bark of very small trees between in the roots and I sprinkle a little fertilizer in the foliage 2x a month.
As a ground orchid needs even moist soil and good light but avoid direct sunlight, the Nun’s Cap Orchid will get along with a somewhat less humid atmosphere.
Ah massage…..I have treated myself to monthly massages for several years. It is so good for my health and physical and mental well-being. My gratitude today is dedicated to my wonderful massage therapist and dear friend. She (Micol) has been working on me now for 3 years and knows my body very well. She always heals the aches and pains of my aging body. Many blessings and love to all you who share here
Okay, there’s number three! I put massage in the back of my mind as a thing important to consider doing when we move, and boom — three in a row the messages came! I am laughing as I type this. When the Universe wishes to send me a message, there is no skimping!
I am so happy it has helped you, Nancy. You are very encouraging on the subject!
Good morning lovely people on this snowy magical morning. As I type this I can see out my bedroom window that the snow is falling heavily but gently...no blustery wind or frigid temperatures. It is a "balmy" 32 degrees here this day. :)
I am grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers from this sacred community. Thank you for propping me up the last couple of days. My daughter kept in contact with me all day yesterday via texting and WhatsApp and so I give voice to my gratitude for t...
Good morning lovely people on this snowy magical morning. As I type this I can see out my bedroom window that the snow is falling heavily but gently…no blustery wind or frigid temperatures. It is a “balmy” 32 degrees here this day.
I am grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers from this sacred community. Thank you for propping me up the last couple of days. My daughter kept in contact with me all day yesterday via texting and WhatsApp and so I give voice to my gratitude for technology. I often push back against it but have to admit to being grateful for the ability it gives me to stay in touch with loved ones.
I have a deep tissue massage scheduled for this morning and so far, despite the snow, it has not been cancelled. I am very grateful as I desperately need some relief from my fibromyalgia pain.
I am off to clean off Zed and I will remember to give thanks for him and his all-weather tires! And I will take a moment to look up to the heavens and give thanks for the the lovely falling snow.
~Blessings and grateful love to you all
I hope your massage is a real "tissue restorer" and that you will soon find relief from the pain. One day, I hope to go for massage myself -- it sounds so helpful and appropriately self-caring.
For now, I have been doing some specifc meditations and hypnotherapy for the recalcitrant pain I have had trapped in my body, specifically to retrain the brain to stop expecting pain. I have had a real difficulty with that, where pain kept begetting more pain. It is helping, I think. I am not there y...
I hope your massage is a real “tissue restorer” and that you will soon find relief from the pain. One day, I hope to go for massage myself — it sounds so helpful and appropriately self-caring.
For now, I have been doing some specifc meditations and hypnotherapy for the recalcitrant pain I have had trapped in my body, specifically to retrain the brain to stop expecting pain. I have had a real difficulty with that, where pain kept begetting more pain. It is helping, I think. I am not there yet, but I do see improvement.
It won’t be too long until you and your daughter will share a wonderful big city adventure, and we will celebrate with you. ????????
I am grateful for a short work day and being able to celebrate in a new adventure for a coworker who is off to a new chapter in her life! It was lovely to see the smiles in the room and the gratitude shared for this sweet friend.
I had a nurturing session with my acupuncture and then treated myself to a massage - this was a whim and not my usual self-care for I tend to veer towards spending finances on others, but as I reflect it was me treating myself as well as treating the therapist as sh...
I am grateful for a short work day and being able to celebrate in a new adventure for a coworker who is off to a new chapter in her life! It was lovely to see the smiles in the room and the gratitude shared for this sweet friend.
I had a nurturing session with my acupuncture and then treated myself to a massage – this was a whim and not my usual self-care for I tend to veer towards spending finances on others, but as I reflect it was me treating myself as well as treating the therapist as she had open time and it was AMAZING! I felt like a melted into the table and instead of feeling like energy was being taken from me – I felt like I was being replenished with sunshiney, happiness
I left cutie bear feeling like a worried mamma this am as he was snuggled in his dog bed an unusual behavior and quite the limp he has developed, but I came home and rainbows of kisses smothered my greedy face of adoration. We enjoyed a jaunt of overcast outdoor adventure on the road to keep pavement on-kilter and the peregrine falcon was simply stunning. A happy juvenile stand, magically made by the squirrels (true Master Gardeners) waived brilliantly.
Someone Feed Phil on Netflix has me fallen in love with Vietnam and Mexico City. I am grateful for this technology as I can add places to my travel lists and food to eat.
Grateful for the gift of smile
I hope you were gifted with many today from yourself to yourself, from yourself to others, and from others to yourself.
Loving blessings to you and our spinning, bright, shiny world <3
Ooooh, more on massage! I hope this means the door will open for me in that regard soon. Right now, I have no access to a vehicle, so it will have to wait. My plan is to start going after we move, whenever that happens.
I love your description! I hope it melted any pain in you as well!
Through the meditation and hypnotherapy I am learning what a blessing and how deeply needed deep relaxation is to and for the body. I had never realized this feeling before, only as an aberration, not a daily t...
Ooooh, more on massage! I hope this means the door will open for me in that regard soon. Right now, I have no access to a vehicle, so it will have to wait. My plan is to start going after we move, whenever that happens.
I love your description! I hope it melted any pain in you as well!
Through the meditation and hypnotherapy I am learning what a blessing and how deeply needed deep relaxation is to and for the body. I had never realized this feeling before, only as an aberration, not a daily thing. I never knew I had spent my whole life in a tight knot! When the body gets that break of deep relaxation, healing can happen more effectively. Wowzers!
Do you find that it augments your acupuncture, or don’t you know yet? ????
Is Jack on any supplements? There is a company whose stuff we have been using for about twenty years. Springtime, Inc. Their flagship product is Fresh Factors, but with Jack’s age and limp he might want Advanced Hip and Joint included, or maybe Longevity. We just got some of the latter to try on our guys as one of the pups is quite itchy. We think she developed a food allergy, and this is supposed to help detoxification pathways, too.
Wishing you and Jack a special time today!
Yes Manda, I had a day full of smiles! I can’t write now, because I have just woke up and I have to go…but yesterday it was a very nice day. I wish you a bright day, in your magical world!
This morning, I am especially grateful for the pellet stove and its happy little plink plink plink as the pellets drop into the basket to make heat, as well as the husband who cleaned it out, readying it for the day before leaving for work.
I am grateful for the progress on the house that was made this weekend. The question of the day was apropos for me as I find myself longing for the time when we will be moved and I will be able to get back to some things I love.
I am grateful that my ...
This morning, I am especially grateful for the pellet stove and its happy little plink plink plink as the pellets drop into the basket to make heat, as well as the husband who cleaned it out, readying it for the day before leaving for work.
I am grateful for the progress on the house that was made this weekend. The question of the day was apropos for me as I find myself longing for the time when we will be moved and I will be able to get back to some things I love.
I am grateful that my pain levels were pretty decent over the weekend, and though they are feeling less stable this morning, I am grateful for the reminder that I can feel good in my body and the healing I have been doing to get here. I am grateful to have some new tools to help it move through and form a different relationship with it.
I am grateful for the information I am learning in the Happiness course. Such work was put into this! I love the idea of studying what goes into happiness and its effect on our lives.
And on a super cold morning like today (forecast high is 8F) I am grateful for indoor plumbing! I was just thinking this morning of the whistling wind through an outhouse slat and ferling very grateful indeed!
So lovely to read your words this night sweetie Aine! Imagine this - whatever happens sending yourself gratitude at how well your body, mind, heart does the thing. If it is pain - how remarkable at how amazing you can feel such aches/pains and that you can send them love. If it is joy - how sweet to be able to do joy so well. And if you need to have a chit chat with the universe about "what is this..., please a break" how honoring of yourself you can do this too :) Lots of love and hugs <...
So lovely to read your words this night sweetie Aine! Imagine this – whatever happens sending yourself gratitude at how well your body, mind, heart does the thing. If it is pain – how remarkable at how amazing you can feel such aches/pains and that you can send them love. If it is joy – how sweet to be able to do joy so well. And if you need to have a chit chat with the universe about “what is this…, please a break” how honoring of yourself you can do this too
Lots of love and hugs <3
Thank you, sweet Manda. I am trying to take a leaf from your book on this. I will admit I find the self gratitude easier on things other than physical pain, but I am learning. My herbalist and pastoral counselor have suggested I thank the pain, gently say, "oh, there you are again." My herbalist suggested adding, "I would really like to be done with this. What still needs to resolve? What do you need?"
The Headspace meditation pack on Pain is pretty phenomenal. I have thought of you several ...
Thank you, sweet Manda. I am trying to take a leaf from your book on this. I will admit I find the self gratitude easier on things other than physical pain, but I am learning. My herbalist and pastoral counselor have suggested I thank the pain, gently say, “oh, there you are again.” My herbalist suggested adding, “I would really like to be done with this. What still needs to resolve? What do you need?”
The Headspace meditation pack on Pain is pretty phenomenal. I have thought of you several times while doing that pack as he has said things that echo what you have said. ????
Plink, plink of the pellet stove. Makes me smile and think it is a bright song. I am also grateful for wood heat and was enjoying just this morning of the song of cedar as it sizzled and popped like a sparkler in the stove. And though I was sad when great grandmother sugar maple fell this summer, I know she lives on in the ground in which she was rooted, as well as in the woodpile where a winter wren lurks, and in the stove, singing!
I think of the whole tree family you lost to the green...
Plink, plink of the pellet stove. Makes me smile and think it is a bright song. I am also grateful for wood heat and was enjoying just this morning of the song of cedar as it sizzled and popped like a sparkler in the stove. And though I was sad when great grandmother sugar maple fell this summer, I know she lives on in the ground in which she was rooted, as well as in the woodpile where a winter wren lurks, and in the stove, singing!
I think of the whole tree family you lost to the green ash borer (you wrote of it a while back and I understood it as such a heartbreak I couldn’t think how to respond). Where I am going with this that since that time I have wanted to tell you about a book, maybe you already know it (?) The Songs of Trees by ecologist David George Haskell. One chapter is devoted to a massive green ash tree and and he writes beautifully of its dying, falling, and its ongoing life.
He has also made sound recordings of all twelve trees he highlighted, some of which you can hear on his website. I thought to write a post about it, but I haven’t read the book yet as it is new and I am waiting for it to appear at a library near me.
Oh, the wind-song, the rain-song, the early spring sap-song, the winter creak-song, the hollow log-song, the burn-song… all different, beautiful and part of the whole. Gosh, I didn’t mean for this to get so long, sorry, but I do get excited about nature’s songs. Thank you for the inspiration.
Most of all, dear Aine, it is good to read that you are feeling progress toward goals of bringing the blessings of home, health, and happiness more fully into your life.
Oh so many songs! Cat-song and dog-song, the serenade of the rooster who gets chosen to get my attention from the south deck so I will come give them food. The gentle clucking-song of happy chickens pecking up goodies. The crashing cymbal song of icicles breaking free of the roof. And the happy bubbling song of the water, ready in the pot for me to make tea.
So many songs!
Thank you for the reminder, grateful. There is a magic in listening to such songs with the ears of our hearts.
M...
Oh so many songs! Cat-song and dog-song, the serenade of the rooster who gets chosen to get my attention from the south deck so I will come give them food. The gentle clucking-song of happy chickens pecking up goodies. The crashing cymbal song of icicles breaking free of the roof. And the happy bubbling song of the water, ready in the pot for me to make tea.
So many songs!
Thank you for the reminder, grateful. There is a magic in listening to such songs with the ears of our hearts.
Much delight to you this day!
This book seems to sound as nature itself! An original orchestra …
True, Anna! Perhaps when I finally have the book in my hands and I open it… a symphony will begin.
Yesterday, I saw a beautiful documentation about a female constructor in northern India named "Didi" , who builds mud houses made of material originating from the area around.
It was the first time that I heard of someone building a home by taking the light as the central guideline. So very beautiful! How the lights wanders through the house through the seasonal position of the sun is the guiding vision, and the rest follows, in well considered proportions. She envisions her later buildings...
Yesterday, I saw a beautiful documentation about a female constructor in northern India named “Didi” , who builds mud houses made of material originating from the area around.
It was the first time that I heard of someone building a home by taking the light as the central guideline. So very beautiful! How the lights wanders through the house through the seasonal position of the sun is the guiding vision, and the rest follows, in well considered proportions. She envisions her later buildings in her dreams. Light flooded rooms and an atmosphere of sobriety and beauty, embedded naturally into the given landscape. And all material, the mud, the stones from the river, the bamboo are recyclable. it creates a totally different feeling of living, guided by the light so to say through the construction of the home!
I was so happy to see this. And she trains young students, although she must be about 80 years already.
I am very grateful for having seen this, and that this exists. A beautiful, creative, authentic way of bringing substantial love into the homes, not houses.
(if someone is interested to see the trailer, it is https: //vimeo.com/224233704 )
This is just magically, beautiful Ose! Thank you <3
Dear Ose, it is a very interesting video, Didi is a very lovely woman and a wise architect.
The house is very nice!
It is amazing what we can do, with our own skills and a bit of love, energy, , courage and “savoir faire”! Thank you for sharing!
Dear Ose, thank you for this. I have watched the trailer and am enchanted by everything about it. Guided by light, as you say, is a beautiful way to build. And all natural materials gathered locally! A home that rises out of respect for the land upon which is rests. An elder who continues her work for the sheer love of it. It would be a dream to visit that region of the world.
I am moved that we share this, dear grateful sea. Yes, she really is a wise elder, in its purest, honest manner of following her heart and multiplying the rays of the sun, like she does in many ways. Have a lovely day/evening.
Through her example, she gives us something to aspire to in whatever form we are called. Most of us in here seem to be moving into the time of life when we are called to be elders, sages, and healers. It is no light undertaking, but an essential one.
Thanks, you too.
That sounds lovely!
Happy Monday, my new gratitude friends!
Today I bid goodbye to my daughter who went back to college. What a wonderful winter break we had and the relationship we have is growing into something sacred and deep for me. Although I'm so sad that both kids are back at their schools, I'm grateful for the time we had and grateful that they wanted to come back.
My pain levels have me struggling today, but when I think of all the parts of my body that DON'T hurt, it makes it much easier to deal wit...
Happy Monday, my new gratitude friends!
Today I bid goodbye to my daughter who went back to college. What a wonderful winter break we had and the relationship we have is growing into something sacred and deep for me. Although I’m so sad that both kids are back at their schools, I’m grateful for the time we had and grateful that they wanted to come back.
My pain levels have me struggling today, but when I think of all the parts of my body that DON’T hurt, it makes it much easier to deal with what does. I search for the special moments in my life where I am able to briefly forget about the pain (doing something artistic, laughing with a friend, writing a note online…ha!) My group helps me along with that too.
The temps are cold here again and I am grateful for heat in my home and food in the refrigerator to nourish me. I’m grateful for the love of my family and my kitten who never leaves my side.
My life is charmed when I embrace gratitude.
Have a beautiful day!
Thank you dear Lauren for this sweet photo on gratitude and your reflection on focusing on what feels good! Amazing how maybe everything can not feel good, but perhaps your big right toe feels divinely, happy! Lots of love <3
Happy Tuesday, Lauren! I join Diane in thanking you for the graphic and quote. I love the colorful curlicue paper design. I have never tried, but am drawn to the craft. Both the way it looks and the inkling of how playful it must be to do. Like my favorite part of wrapping a gift, which is making a crazy curlicue bow for on top. And the quote, so true. It dovetails with an intention I set for today to recognize the privileges in my life. Cheers!
Good morning Lauren...I am catching up a bit after not being here for a few days. Welcome to this sacred community and thank you for sharing this lovely picture and quote.....we indeed help each other here to embrace gratitude in our "perfectly imperfect messy but impeccably beautiful" journeys!
Kindred spirits are we.....living with chronic pain, frigid winter weather, and children who have gone off on their own adventures. Thank you for sharing...I am learning that we all have the capaci...
Good morning Lauren…I am catching up a bit after not being here for a few days. Welcome to this sacred community and thank you for sharing this lovely picture and quote…..we indeed help each other here to embrace gratitude in our “perfectly imperfect messy but impeccably beautiful” journeys!
Kindred spirits are we…..living with chronic pain, frigid winter weather, and children who have gone off on their own adventures. Thank you for sharing…I am learning that we all have the capacity to be “wounded healers” when we have the courage to be vulnerable with an open and caring heart.
~Much love to you on this cold but miraculous new day.
So glad you had such a wonderful time with your daughter! It is exciting to see young people embarking on their adventures. I just ran across a picture of friends with their firstborn when he was about four months old. Now he is a sophomore in high school. Where did the time go?
The return of the cold is challenging my hygge resolves, I admit. I am grateful not to have to go out in it, grateful that the reason my husband does is work he enjoys at a place that appreciates him, and grateful fo...
So glad you had such a wonderful time with your daughter! It is exciting to see young people embarking on their adventures. I just ran across a picture of friends with their firstborn when he was about four months old. Now he is a sophomore in high school. Where did the time go?
The return of the cold is challenging my hygge resolves, I admit. I am grateful not to have to go out in it, grateful that the reason my husband does is work he enjoys at a place that appreciates him, and grateful for the opportunities this presents.
Good morning lovely friends
So healing and grace-ful to be here with you. Life has been happening and I have not had the time or the energy to visit this past week. But, it is an eventful Monday morning for me and I find that I need the courage that I always receive from this sacred community. My anxiety has washed over me like a tidal wave and I am trying to remember to accept it and let it be...but I also am desperate for it to leave! Not surprisingly, my fibromyalgia pain is at peak le...
Good morning lovely friends
So healing and grace-ful to be here with you. Life has been happening and I have not had the time or the energy to visit this past week. But, it is an eventful Monday morning for me and I find that I need the courage that I always receive from this sacred community. My anxiety has washed over me like a tidal wave and I am trying to remember to accept it and let it be…but I also am desperate for it to leave! Not surprisingly, my fibromyalgia pain is at peak levels and my tinnitus is especially irritating.
My daughter is moving into her apartment in the “big city” tonight and I have all the emotions. I won’t go into the entire litany of crazy anxious and fearful thoughts that are playing in a loop in my brain (especially at night when I am desperate for restorative sleep). Suffice to say that I would appreciate your prayers and am grateful for the love and compassion that is always waiting for me here.
So lovely to read all your posts of the last few days and I hope to respond (and welcome new friends!) soon.
~With grateful love…blessings to you all.
Sending a HUG Diane <3 I hope your anxiety is more loving within when you find this message and your fibromyalgia calm. xx
Good morning Manda...thank you for your hug! Did you see the picture that accompanies the "Word of the Day" for today? It reminded me of you and Jack :)
My anxiety is indeed "more loving"...such a beautiful sentiment. I have taken to saying out loud "Welcome, old friend anxiety." and find that this little ritual brings me peace.
My fibromyalgia is not so calm but I have a therapeutic deep tissue massage scheduled for today. Right now it is snowing heavily and I am hoping it doesn't get ...
Good morning Manda…thank you for your hug! Did you see the picture that accompanies the “Word of the Day” for today? It reminded me of you and Jack
My anxiety is indeed “more loving”…such a beautiful sentiment. I have taken to saying out loud “Welcome, old friend anxiety.” and find that this little ritual brings me peace.
My fibromyalgia is not so calm but I have a therapeutic deep tissue massage scheduled for today. Right now it is snowing heavily and I am hoping it doesn’t get cancelled. But I shall take this day as it is and embrace its surprises…and unexpected gifts.
~Sending you a hug back my friend.
Dear Diane, I will pray for you, and also for your daughter. Consider it done.
Reminding St Martha’s day…
Cara Anna….thank you for your prayers for me and my daughter. She is settling in nicely in her new surroundings.
I am still feeling the anxiety but it is not as overwhelming. I am looking out at the lovely snow falling here over the farmlands and I have chosen to think of it as a sign from the heavens that God is near and showering me with blessings.
~Sending you un abbraccio mi amica
Hi Anna, I have also done the St Martha's prayer and grateful you are sharing it!!
I feel very blessed lately, and have received a prayer/energy and Trauma treatment by phone by the healer who has written the prayer books including St Martha's prayer! It felt wonderful, our Sunny lying beside me totally relaxed ... so I didn't have to worry for the sofa or other objects ... (my son permitted me to use his room, so it was easier for me to relax)!
I also want to share that I have placed a ca...
Hi Anna, I have also done the St Martha’s prayer and grateful you are sharing it!!
I feel very blessed lately, and have received a prayer/energy and Trauma treatment by phone by the healer who has written the prayer books including St Martha’s prayer! It felt wonderful, our Sunny lying beside me totally relaxed … so I didn’t have to worry for the sofa or other objects … (my son permitted me to use his room, so it was easier for me to relax)!
I also want to share that I have placed a candle at the bottom of a Saint Anthony’s statue and sanctuary which is at one of the “entrance paths” to our woods, and I love passing by and looking if the candle is still burning, especially at night when I can see it from the distance … Since my pilgrimage, Saint Anthony is a steady companion, I find traces of hime everywhere I go, so I am confident he is supporting and accompanying me! Thinking of this community!
Blessings to everybody!
I love the mental picture of you approaching the St. Anthony candle from afar, watching the light draw you closer. So beautiful.
I have been forming a special relationship with St. Joseph. (I hope I did not share this before!) It started with my discussing the upcoming move with him. I explained how I just couldn't bring myself to bury him upside down in the yard, but that I knew he would understand better than most about wanting to move quietly and without those who might cause trouble fin...
I love the mental picture of you approaching the St. Anthony candle from afar, watching the light draw you closer. So beautiful.
I have been forming a special relationship with St. Joseph. (I hope I did not share this before!) It started with my discussing the upcoming move with him. I explained how I just couldn’t bring myself to bury him upside down in the yard, but that I knew he would understand better than most about wanting to move quietly and without those who might cause trouble finding out. I asked him to help us. I really felt heard, like how I think it would feel if I had been speaking to a loving father or grandfather figure who wanted what was best for me.
Now I have a little ritual. I placed a statue of him with Mary and Jesus as they were fleeing to Egypt in the top of a window facing the direction of the area we are to move to. I have a tiny lamp in the bottom of the window that I turn on so that it will shine warmly to welcome my husband home as he comes from that area. As I turn on the lamp, I pause and thank him for being at work on my need. I think of the light as a beacon that will soon light my way to my new home.
In the end though, I think perhaps feeling heard and cared for is probably of far more importance than how the details of our request get handled.
Blessings to you and your Sunny!
Dear Diane,
I am just catching up a bit here and very tired, but I certainly am including you in my prayers just now!! Get well!!
Dear Ursula….thank you for your prayers…..even when you are tired your love and caring shines through.
I was so happy to read that St. Anthony has been your companion and that you are aware of his presence. And also to hear of your treatment…in the comfort of your home with Sunny by your side!
~Sending you healing and energy and love and light dear friend.
Dear Diane, my prayers will be with you. Hope that these turbulent flood of emotions may subside soon and that you may feel the safety and calm which is inside the center of the storm as the light that this is for the soul. Feel embraced, dear Diane.
Dear Ose...thank you for your prayers and for your lovely blessing. The emotions were indeed like a "flood"....they took me over and carried me along. I felt helpless to stop them so I tried to honor them and give them expression. This morning I do feel embraced. By all of you and by the Divine. The "Word of the Day" from Julian of Norwich was a gift and a grace to me.
So grateful for this sacred space and for the love and compassion that is always waiting for me here.
~Have a blessed...
Dear Ose…thank you for your prayers and for your lovely blessing. The emotions were indeed like a “flood”….they took me over and carried me along. I felt helpless to stop them so I tried to honor them and give them expression. This morning I do feel embraced. By all of you and by the Divine. The “Word of the Day” from Julian of Norwich was a gift and a grace to me.
So grateful for this sacred space and for the love and compassion that is always waiting for me here.
~Have a blessed day Ose
Good morning, Diane. I want you to know that I have felt uplifted to read in earlier posts of your daughter heading out to follow her dreams. What a mix of emotions this day brings for you I cannot imagine and all the busy-ness too, and then yes there is the body that responds. Just wanting too to let you know that I send up a prayer that you may as much as possible embrace the fullness of this day.
Good morning grateful sea: Thank you for your kind words and for your prayers. My day yesterday was indeed "full"! And today a new day and a new chapter in our journeys has begun for both me and my daughter.
It has been a frigid winter here in the Northeast and I have been reminded lately of Narnia! So much so that I decided to read "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" again! It was so delightful for me to read it....a favorite of both my daughters! I mention this because there is a...
Good morning grateful sea: Thank you for your kind words and for your prayers. My day yesterday was indeed “full”! And today a new day and a new chapter in our journeys has begun for both me and my daughter.
It has been a frigid winter here in the Northeast and I have been reminded lately of Narnia! So much so that I decided to read “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” again! It was so delightful for me to read it….a favorite of both my daughters! I mention this because there is a quote from it that I copied and have displayed in my kitchen:
” Let us go on and take the adventure that shall fall to us.”
And so my daughter and I go on in our adventures…such a positive and fun way to express this change for us both. I do believe that she is exactly where she is supposed to be right now…..today my grateful heart is catching up with my anxious mind and peace is settling in.
~So grateful to be here with you this morning dear friend. I hope you have a day filled with love and light….and maybe even an adventure!
Good morning, Diane. I am glad you are feeling more peaceful today. Yes, maybe even an adventure awaits! But I must take the first step. Into the wardrobe. Or down the rabbit hole. Or…..? Next time I am at the library, I will look for The Chronicles of Narnia. It has been a long time since I read it. I didn’t grow up with the Narnia stories, but enjoyed when I discovered and tried to read everything CS Lewis in my early 20’s. Warm wishes to you, my friend.
Dear Diane, I will pray.
Allow me to say your love, and yes, even your anxiety, for your daughter are a blessing to me to see. For what is anxiety over the welfare of those we love? It is Love. If we did not love, we would not care, and life would be poorer indeed.
We are muddlesome creatures sometimes, when our fear or anxiety causes our love to be expressed through fretting, lack of sleep, and systems gone haywire, just when we wish to express it through some other more palatable (to u...
Dear Diane, I will pray.
Allow me to say your love, and yes, even your anxiety, for your daughter are a blessing to me to see. For what is anxiety over the welfare of those we love? It is Love. If we did not love, we would not care, and life would be poorer indeed.
We are muddlesome creatures sometimes, when our fear or anxiety causes our love to be expressed through fretting, lack of sleep, and systems gone haywire, just when we wish to express it through some other more palatable (to us) way. But Love is expressed in many forms.
Perhaps you can treat the anxiety you feel with the compassion you would show a child who was hurting because someone she loved was going to be further from reach? How would you hold that child’s emotion? With tenderness, validation, compassion, and care. You would hug her, do things to cheer her up or distract her so the intensity of the emotion could have a chance to fade. Maybe you would rub her back, stroke her hair, or make her hot cocoa with extra marshmallows. You would work at figuring out what would help her feel better in the moment, knowing with the wisdom of adults that she will adjust and even thrive in time, despite how she hurts right now, that she just needs time to get there and a little TLC. Do the same for you, as best you can.
And if you do the cocoa, toss in an extra marshmallow from me and know I am praying for you. Hugs.
Good morning dear Aine.
Well....I did not literally have a cup of hot cocoa yesterday but your words were so soothing and healing ...it was as if I did! Thank you for sharing your heart with me and reminding me to practice self care....and to accept the anxiety as a blessing. Such wisdom my friend. "Love is expressed in many forms" a powerful truth. And one that I needed to hear.
I felt your prayers and those of our other kindred spirits here in this sacred community. I am so very g...
Good morning dear Aine.
Well….I did not literally have a cup of hot cocoa yesterday but your words were so soothing and healing …it was as if I did! Thank you for sharing your heart with me and reminding me to practice self care….and to accept the anxiety as a blessing. Such wisdom my friend. “Love is expressed in many forms” a powerful truth. And one that I needed to hear.
I felt your prayers and those of our other kindred spirits here in this sacred community. I am so very grateful.
My husband moved Cassie into her apartment last night and she will wake up this morning to a new chapter in her young life. I have summoned the angels to surround her and know that she is exactly where she is supposed to be. As for me…it is a weird morning so far. I am here alone and my intention is to practice self-care by embracing the solitude, the emotions, the melancholy, the blessings that are always before me. Even the anxiety!
Even though my muscles are aching…I was gifted with a good sleep last night and I have a deep-tissue massage scheduled for tomorrow. Today I shall have a hot shower, try to eat healthier than the stress-eating I did yesterday, continue watching The Crown on Netflix, and have that cup of hot cocoa! With a big dollop of whipped cream on top.
~Much love to you with a grateful heart my friend.
I think it is the good experience; talking in anxiety…accept it and let it be…You’ll be fine!
My best wishes for your daughter!
A little Saintpaulia for you
With fraternal love, many blessings dear Diane!
Dear Cintia….your flowers always make my heart smile. And I love the name “Saintpaulia”
Thank you for your best wishes for my daughter and for your love and blessings. My anxiety was overwhelming yesterday and, although still with me today, seems to have abated somewhat. Nevertheless, I will accept it and even welcome it as an old friend who has decided to drop in for a visit!
~Sending you grateful love dear Cintia. Have a beautiful day.
Beautiful! I got a friend started growing these. She has shown quite a knack! This makes her very happy as she has not had much luck growing plants. Now she has done petunias, Saint Paulias and Pelargonium successfully and is very happy.
I had a delightful evening with my two small friends while their grown-ups went out for birthday festivities! We enjoyed Troll time, story time, and popcorn
Grateful for a muddy romp in the woods with my sweet Jack! I am thrilled a friend who had surgery is recovering well!
I am grateful for abundant noshings in my fridge for the week and a warm jacket to adorn as I make my short little walk back home this night
Loving wishes to you and our incredible world <3
Oh, Manda, your magical posts are always… well… so magical. A muddy romp and a wild rumpus you and Jack make, I can imagine. Loving wishes back to you.
Thank you sweet grateful sea! Your poems are bliss to this beautiful little community~ I hope your day was amazing <3
I think sometimes we underestimate how much those times that we spend with young ones just having fun means to them, especially when we are unrelated and do not have to. It makes an impression.
They bring me such joy – I am so grateful for them and their snuggles, curiosity, grouchiness, enthusiasm, laughter, and kisses <3
Hello beautiful people all. I am grateful for each and every one of you, seen and unseen, here in this community. I am reposting below what I previously deleted because it is still on my heart / I kept it in my journal / and in the light of this new morning I feel calm as I reread it. LOVE, wrote Zora Neale Hurston, makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.
Yesterday I read a few poems by a DeafBlind poet who has created his own form of haiku to fit on classic Braille slates. Wow! ...
Hello beautiful people all. I am grateful for each and every one of you, seen and unseen, here in this community. I am reposting below what I previously deleted because it is still on my heart / I kept it in my journal / and in the light of this new morning I feel calm as I reread it. LOVE, wrote Zora Neale Hurston, makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.
Yesterday I read a few poems by a DeafBlind poet who has created his own form of haiku to fit on classic Braille slates. Wow! And one remarkable poem describes how once when he was gardening he was blown over by a gust of wind into a bed of foxgloves and feeling about “handinglove” came to understand something new about their nature and his own. At least I think that was it. Truthfully, I fumbled my way through the light of his poems as if I myself was in the dark — and it was heart-opening, to switch places in that way.
Why am I sharing this? I don’t know if I can explain.. First, I am so moved by this Deaf/Blind man’s desire and ability to express himself, despite his (unimagineable to me) challenges. Also, I am reminded to be grateful that all my senses are intact, allowing me to experience the exquisite beauty of our world. As in a quote I copied from this site a few weeks ago, “Listen to your life… touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it…” (Frederick Buechner) Yes!
I wanted to start with the positive, now here’s the paradox. I am often overwhelmed by these senses: sounds, smells, light, movement. I have to shut down and that brings about isolation. I had encephalitis a few years ago and this left my brain in a sense fractured.
I have come a long way in healing but still I struggle with ‘sensory overload’ and am so frustrated with difficulty putting thoughts together, arriving someplace with them, following multiple conversations. The muddle in my mind of multiple conversations! Even in the relative tameness of this space, I am often overwhelmed to the point of tears. Yet I want so much to connect, to show that I see/hear/value each of you. I do.
Wanting to end on a positive, I witness this moment with gratitude: warm winter rain, falling through sunshine, softly drumming on the tin roof. Peace, all.
And I happen to love Zora Neale Hurston, too. I was struck by how her work returned the dignity of personhood to those living closer to the end of slavery and under Jim Crow by the simple act of gifting her characters with the power of Choice. In Jonah's Gourd Vine you see some spectacularly bad choices as well as some good ones, the gamut. By choosing to make her characters so real, so human, she was returning to them precisely what the prevailing culture had tried so hard to strip from them bu...
And I happen to love Zora Neale Hurston, too. I was struck by how her work returned the dignity of personhood to those living closer to the end of slavery and under Jim Crow by the simple act of gifting her characters with the power of Choice. In Jonah’s Gourd Vine you see some spectacularly bad choices as well as some good ones, the gamut. By choosing to make her characters so real, so human, she was returning to them precisely what the prevailing culture had tried so hard to strip from them but never truly succeeded — the inherent human power of Choice, for good or ill. ????
Oh I do love gourds growing on a vine. Happy summertime thing to think of. I love your thoughts on Zora. The title I remember is “And Their Eyes Were Watching God” but it was a long time ago I read. The emboldening quote I saw yesterday in an email from Yes! magazine. YES to the power of Choice.
Oh, sweet grateful, I understand. One of the components I went through with Lyme is similar to what you describe with the encephalitis. Sensory overload is hard. I went through one patch where the song of doing laundry about had me wanting to scream. Because the borellia eat the collagen in the body, the myelin sheath on nerves goes on their buffet. That means a host of neuro symptoms, and it is also one reason Lyme gets misdiagnosed so often.
There was, for me, sometimes a sense of being tr...
Oh, sweet grateful, I understand. One of the components I went through with Lyme is similar to what you describe with the encephalitis. Sensory overload is hard. I went through one patch where the song of doing laundry about had me wanting to scream. Because the borellia eat the collagen in the body, the myelin sheath on nerves goes on their buffet. That means a host of neuro symptoms, and it is also one reason Lyme gets misdiagnosed so often.
There was, for me, sometimes a sense of being trapped between what I wanted to express and my ability to express it. I am better now and very grateful my abilities came back. I know how much of a struggle that is. Hugs.
You liked the Frederick Buechner quote? He is a favorite of mine. His work was introduced to me many years ago by a dear friend. He wrote both fiction and nonfiction, was a pastor and storyteller, never afraid to question or admit the things he did not understand, as well as being the son of an alcoholic who, as I recall, died by suicide when Buechner was growing up.
I love his style as well as his honesty. For a good start in his work, I suggest Listening to Your Life. It is a book of 366 short entries, excerpts from his longer works, and it is a wonderful introduction. He seemed so able to see both light and dark, but never to let darkness win.
Oh, thank you! The image of warm anything helps at the moment. I am afraid that the imminent return to single digits and recent snow with more forecast has me feeling a bit frowny, and I wrote a couple grumpy winter haikus this morning, from which I shall spare you. ????
Bless you, dear Aine, we do have a lot in common. Mostly good things (a love of plants and trees, animals, books to name a few!) and then there is Lyme disease (ugh) about which I think we have talked a little bit before.
In my case, it was viral encephalitis that activated latent Lyme and co-infections, on top of damage from years of drugs for supposed adult-onset ADD, mold toxicosis, and extreme job-related stress. Basically, a neurologic firestorm brought on by tangled web of influences ...
Bless you, dear Aine, we do have a lot in common. Mostly good things (a love of plants and trees, animals, books to name a few!) and then there is Lyme disease (ugh) about which I think we have talked a little bit before.
In my case, it was viral encephalitis that activated latent Lyme and co-infections, on top of damage from years of drugs for supposed adult-onset ADD, mold toxicosis, and extreme job-related stress. Basically, a neurologic firestorm brought on by tangled web of influences that took years to see the scaffolding of. I think anyone living with complex, chronic disease has a similar though unique story of this web. Oh, I am so truly grateful for those health practitioners who are both learned and humble enough to consider the big picture.
As I said, I have come a long way in healing. I guess the thing for me now several years out as the cognitive symptoms persist, is truly accepting that the window has closed for me to return to my previous profession (veterinary medicine). I have known it for a while, but always in the very back of mind I have kept this fairy-tale story of returning my vocation. So it is hard right now. It just is.
I hope this doesn’t sound like complaining. I hope it is (as you said about Buechner) the dark and the light. Something huge I am learning here at A Network for Grateful Living. So many here, including you Aine, beautifully skilled at it. How to hold both the dark and the light at the same time. How to speak of it, write of it — so to be able to show up in the world as both authentic and a force for good. Blessings, blessings.
Oh, Aine, I admire so much how you can express yourself! There is so much I’d like to respond to here. Forgive me as my pace is slow. It really helps to know you understand. I am glad similar symptoms for you have eased.
Thank you. Do you have an elephant icon on Kindspring. I sent a test message because I was not sure it was you and could not find earlier messages we exchanged there!
Yes, an elephant. I will look for your message there.
I typed sound and it changed to song. Hmm. I never thought about the song of doing laundry! That sounds like a poem right there.
Yes, it is all a song. I have an old washboard that I want to learn to play someday.
Many blessings in your life grateful sea!
My fraternal hug!
Thank you, sweet Cintia. I wish you a day full of your lovely flowers.
Sweet grateful sea, thank you for this post tonight and this delight of Love allows your soul to feel safe, to be seen <3 And this blind poet! One of my posts that poofed into cyberspace was about a man who went to India. He observed the beggars in the square. One of them was playing the drums. Upon closer inspection he realized this man had stumps for arms, then realized he was blind, and then he had no legs. He secured a translator to ask this man how he goes through life this way and...
Sweet grateful sea, thank you for this post tonight and this delight of Love allows your soul to feel safe, to be seen <3 And this blind poet! One of my posts that poofed into cyberspace was about a man who went to India. He observed the beggars in the square. One of them was playing the drums. Upon closer inspection he realized this man had stumps for arms, then realized he was blind, and then he had no legs. He secured a translator to ask this man how he goes through life this way and the response he received – what else is there but to love? Life may give you what you want, life may not give you what you want, but show up as your true self to life no matter what. It was just such beautiful sentiments to read about The Richest Man in the World. I do not do it justice in my regurgitation but hopefully the message is there. I hope you are enjoying a warm, wintry rain with the sun dancing between the clouds
I can really picture the story in my mind, beautiful. Thank you, sweet Manda.
Oh, how beautiful, both your drummer and Grateful’s poet. Creativity transcends challenge and is often more deeply honed because of it. Were either of them whole, would they have developed those gifts? Or would they simply have gone through life as “normal?”
Dear grateful sea, so moving to read what you shared of yourself. Thank you so much! If you don´t mind, please let me share some of my own experience. Wishing you may find relief and find a way to deal with the sensory overload. Eventually, may be my own experience could be of service? I am so very grateful for having had the chance to make a process through the jungle of emotions, and may be it helps?
How to deal with my emotions? They reached from suppressing them and landing up in isolation...
Dear grateful sea, so moving to read what you shared of yourself. Thank you so much! If you don´t mind, please let me share some of my own experience. Wishing you may find relief and find a way to deal with the sensory overload. Eventually, may be my own experience could be of service? I am so very grateful for having had the chance to make a process through the jungle of emotions, and may be it helps?
How to deal with my emotions? They reached from suppressing them and landing up in isolation like you mentioned it, to the other extreme of being completely overwhelmed by them. This personal process of “cure” is now of inestimable value in my profession. May be sharing the essence-part of my experience is of help for you as well? If you don´t mind a long post… sorry for this, I could not make it shorter.
Recently, I realized deep states of anxiety inside myself, where I was stuck since years without knowing even that I was anxious. I cried out loud, every time I felt this fear. Fear and me myself was one. Once aware, I tried to really find a different way to deal with these strong emotions.
First, I fought these emotions but in the mean time I felt imprisoned and being caught in this structure of fighting, until I finally could surrender through changing my inner mental position. I could follow the suggestion a dear teacher once offered and changed to standing in a corridor while watching my fear or my despair located in the room in front of me with loving kindness, instead of being in the room of fear or despair itself.
So I exercised to switch to this imagined corridor every time I felt the overwhelming emotion and tried to observe it with compassion. It was so relieving, to experiencing the slowly coming out of for example despair, and starting to become calmer, the more I succeeded to take this inner position of the observer.
Then, the important next step was that I realized something. Already some years ago, I was able to consciously decide not to be jealous, as I did not want to overload my dear friendship with this destructive feeling. I really could do so, not suppressing jealousy but deciding not to follow this impulsive feeling of being jealous. I could let it go.
The beauty was that it was only one step further to realize that I could do so as well with my strong fear, and even with the despair. That I am the one who decides, which place I would wish the fear or the despair to have in my life. I could really link it, my constructive ability to deal with the overwhelming emotion of jealousy and the possible step to see fear, but to actively say: no, I don´t follow you for the sake of my peace of mind, like I managed to not follow jealousy for the sake of my friendship.
I found that this is a possible way to be with every single emotion, which I formerly had to avoid or was overwhelming me, if I could not succeed to avoid it. Still, there is exercise required, it still is work in progress, but fear an despair is much less by now.
Sorry again for the long reply for the ones who made it until here. It is nighttime by now, so please let me wish peaceful dreams to all of you out there.
Ose, this sounds like a variation on things I have been learning as well! The Observer position helps us see the emotion more as a thing, which gives us the needed space to deal with them more effectively, even if they have accumulated for decades through repression and disassociation.
Have you read The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer? Or Letting Go by David Hawkins? Our book group did those. We are in the first one now. I admit I like his style better than Hawkins, though there was so,id ...
Ose, this sounds like a variation on things I have been learning as well! The Observer position helps us see the emotion more as a thing, which gives us the needed space to deal with them more effectively, even if they have accumulated for decades through repression and disassociation.
Have you read The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer? Or Letting Go by David Hawkins? Our book group did those. We are in the first one now. I admit I like his style better than Hawkins, though there was so,id help in both.
What you described above sounds much like what Singer describes as “letting your thorns come up” so they can pass through and out. It always looks easier in print than it feels in person!
Blessings to you on your healing journey. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for sharing, too! No, I am not familiar with the authors you mentioned, but looking at the emotions in this way might help, but only if it is processed emotionally, I guess, not by ratio.
Yes, very heart based, especially the Singer book. I was not so fond of the style on the Hawkins book, though he gave good ninformation that was a helpful basis.
I find it easier to take the Observer position with emotional pain than with physical. I know this is possible, too, and I am better than I was.
Lovely and warm words! You are very kind in share it with us.
Blessings in your life dear Ose
Thank you for your kind reply, Cintia. So nice to share with you here.
Dear Ose, I am so touched by your post, I value every word of it, as you are sharing your life wisdom. It deeply feels like something I need to hear.
I have become familiar with the concept of being the inner observer through yoga. It is something I practice in sitting meditation at regular times.
But the image you share of the corridor is new and very vivid to me. Something I might be able to remember in the heat of rising emotion as I go about my day, try to move forward, get back...
Dear Ose, I am so touched by your post, I value every word of it, as you are sharing your life wisdom. It deeply feels like something I need to hear.
I have become familiar with the concept of being the inner observer through yoga. It is something I practice in sitting meditation at regular times.
But the image you share of the corridor is new and very vivid to me. Something I might be able to remember in the heat of rising emotion as I go about my day, try to move forward, get back on my feet. To stand in the corridor and choose not to go into the room where anxiety resides but to look upon it with loving-kindness. I will try to remember this image next time.
I am so glad to read of the progress of your own work on this. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you dear grateful sea. I feel the comment of Aine is adding as well to our clarity of how to first deal and then find balance with strong emotions instead of needing to avoid or suppress them. So helpful all together. Thanks a lot.
Greatful sea, how beautiful, I am glad the post was reinstated. My daughter is supposed to be in the autistic spectrum, so I have been educating myself on the condition, and I know that sensory overload is one of the most dificult things that come with the package. I recently read that being highly sensitive is a "blurse" (both a blessing and a curse :) Anyway, although your sensory overload is due to different reasons, have you heard about the relationship between sensory overload and the absor...
Greatful sea, how beautiful, I am glad the post was reinstated. My daughter is supposed to be in the autistic spectrum, so I have been educating myself on the condition, and I know that sensory overload is one of the most dificult things that come with the package. I recently read that being highly sensitive is a “blurse” (both a blessing and a curse
Anyway, although your sensory overload is due to different reasons, have you heard about the relationship between sensory overload and the absortion of certain minerals like potassium and magnesium by the body cells? Apparently stress compromises this capacity but having foods/ supplements that contain these minerals can help to alleviate and sometimes eliminate sensory overload. I think I have oversimplified, but perhaps a professional naturopath may be able to help, it is in any case advisable to get professional guidance if taking supplements. Blessings and may you treasure your sensitivity
Palm, I have several friends as well as a cousin who either are on the spectrum or have children who are. I hope this is encouraging to you, but in my experience, I see autism as simply the brain being wired differently, not as a label. The autistic folks I know personally are extremely bright, high functioning, and creative. They have challenges, true, but the designation of "normal" is elusive and very subjective. Who decides that anyway? We are each created uniquely beautiful, precisely who w...
Palm, I have several friends as well as a cousin who either are on the spectrum or have children who are. I hope this is encouraging to you, but in my experience, I see autism as simply the brain being wired differently, not as a label. The autistic folks I know personally are extremely bright, high functioning, and creative. They have challenges, true, but the designation of “normal” is elusive and very subjective. Who decides that anyway? We are each created uniquely beautiful, precisely who we are needed to be for the time we are here. Perfect.
I have an ADD brain, which was always obvious as I look back on my life but which was not diagnosed until I was in my 40’s. Do you know what I was told the “proper” term for it is? “Neurologically Atypical.” This made me laugh a bit because I have rather been the poster child for atypical on several scores — just ask my teachers! ????
Natural Calm with Calcium is helpful in this regard. It is something to start slowly and work up as doing it too fast can cause looseness, but I was amazed at how it helped. Magnesium is one of the things that gets depleted with Lyme, as that and collagen seem to be the borellia’s favorite foods, so supplementing can help. My herbalist suggested it to me.
In this regard meaning supplementation for calming the system, not as a cure for autism! I realized it looked weird.
I agree with you completely Aine, thanks for the encouragement, it really warms my heart when I get such understanding. Thanks also for the tip on natural calm with calcium, I have looked at it and it is sold in South Africa. I will keep it in mind when consulting a naturopath, as I prefer professional guidance when it comes to taking supplements. And I did understand it was for managing, not curing autism, it doesn’t get cured because as you say it is a neurodiversity, and I wouldn’t want i...
I agree with you completely Aine, thanks for the encouragement, it really warms my heart when I get such understanding. Thanks also for the tip on natural calm with calcium, I have looked at it and it is sold in South Africa. I will keep it in mind when consulting a naturopath, as I prefer professional guidance when it comes to taking supplements. And I did understand it was for managing, not curing autism, it doesn’t get cured because as you say it is a neurodiversity, and I wouldn’t want it to, she is beautiful as she is. You are too. Blessings to you in your heling journey.
Dear Palm, I hold your daughter in my heart, I feel her tenderness, your love for her, but also how difficult it is for you and your husband.
A blessing and a kiss to your little star.
Dear Anna, your words touch my heart, thank you friend. Blessings and a kiss to you
Dear Palm, it is wonderful how much more is now known about autism that can help children such as your daughter. I have a lot more compassion for those with the disorder after my own brain issues. I haven't heard about the relationship of those minerals and sensory overload. I will look into it. Thank you for mentioning it. I have found the most help through the discipline of functional medicine and diet is a key part. I can't see this doctor very often because insurance doesn't pay but I ...
Dear Palm, it is wonderful how much more is now known about autism that can help children such as your daughter. I have a lot more compassion for those with the disorder after my own brain issues. I haven’t heard about the relationship of those minerals and sensory overload. I will look into it. Thank you for mentioning it. I have found the most help through the discipline of functional medicine and diet is a key part. I can’t see this doctor very often because insurance doesn’t pay but I am so grateful for all she has done.
I understand. The treatments through which I am healing from Lyme are not covered by insurance either. Insurance could cover all the drugs I wanted if I wanted to “manage” my symptoms, but it will not cover actual healing. This is a broken place in healthcare.
Dear grateful sea, yes it is wonderful all the research being done, I understand what you say about natural doctors and insurance, I face the same problem. I am posting a link of the research I heard about, perhaps it could be useful as a start
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2066032910297096&id=1507320519501674
Thank you, dear Palm! I was able to see it, which doesn’t usually happen since I don’t have a facebook account. I will watch the video today. Thank you. The internet is amazing for this. I wish you much progress in your efforts to learn more and more. I am closing my eyes now and sending a warm heart hug to you and your little one.
Thank you so much for the time you took to write this and the quote from Zora Neale Hurston. It spoke to me very deeply and is one I will try to keep. Your writing is strong in character and wisdom — it was surprising to realize you deal with such difficult ‘sensory overload’ issues. I hope you find a lot of peace in this New Year.
Are you new here, Mary? I do not know if we have met. If not, welcome and so nice to meet you!
Thank you for your kindness, Mary.
????????
Love and flowers flowing back to you, Anna.
Good morning, friends in gratitude!
Today I am grateful for my husband, who turns 49 years old today. I have been with him since high school (we were 16!) and I've been in love with him every day since then. He's always supportive of my endeavors (no matter how wacky!) and has stuck by me with my chronic illness for the past 18 years, my alcoholism (I've been in recovery for 5 years) and all of the ups and downs in between. I'm grateful to have found my "person" and I'm so fortunate to be ab...
Good morning, friends in gratitude!
Today I am grateful for my husband, who turns 49 years old today. I have been with him since high school (we were 16!) and I’ve been in love with him every day since then. He’s always supportive of my endeavors (no matter how wacky!) and has stuck by me with my chronic illness for the past 18 years, my alcoholism (I’ve been in recovery for 5 years) and all of the ups and downs in between. I’m grateful to have found my “person” and I’m so fortunate to be able to grow old with him and, today, celebrate his 49th birthday. Happy Birthday to him!
Happy Birthday to your husband! Yes, a man who will stick with you no matter what is a treasure. Mine is that way, too.
Kudos to you on sobriety! Dear friends of ours are now about forty years sober, and I always find their tenacity and realness encouraging.
Lauren, Happy birthday to your husband, may you and he walk one alongside the other, for many years of serene joy.
Good morning, Lauren. I close my eyes and visualize a little birthday candle burning for your beloved mate, shining light love blessing you both. Have a great day.
Yesterday I went to the doctor, and after this, I took a cab. For my surprise, the driver was a old man. A japanese old man. I didn't ask him, but I believe his age around 80. His hair is completely white, his voice is sweet and calm. And his moviments slow and calculated.
During the travel, we talked about his "good times"... 30 years driving truck, after this, 29 driving car.
When we arrived in my destination, he stopped the car, opened the glove compartment and showed me some pictures (bla...
Yesterday I went to the doctor, and after this, I took a cab. For my surprise, the driver was a old man. A japanese old man. I didn’t ask him, but I believe his age around 80. His hair is completely white, his voice is sweet and calm. And his moviments slow and calculated.
During the travel, we talked about his “good times”… 30 years driving truck, after this, 29 driving car.
When we arrived in my destination, he stopped the car, opened the glove compartment and showed me some pictures (black and white). Old pictures; his time in the army, beside his truck and new pictures (colorful), with his kids and grandchildren and great grandchildren.
This moment was magical and very, very full of joy and admiration.
Remembering what Manda wrote; “Love is everywhere; a simple touch within the beauty of our heart, glittering, gold emanating and radiant”
How shiningly beautiful a moment you shared, heart to heart! You made my heart smile!
Oh lovely Cintia, what a treat to have shared a drive with this 80 year gentleman – how I love to listen to people stories! Such a beautiful photograph too and I concur with the group of an exhibition
Did your doctor’s visit go ok?
Hello Manda!
Yes, the doctor’s visit is ok. Thanks for asking!
I feel frequent pains in the spine, so I decided to investigate more carefully. My next visit will be in January 23th.
Have a magical week
I am so happy lovely Cintia your doctor's visit went ok! I hope your appt on the 23rd goes well and your spine is feeling ease. My spine shares in this pain at the moment from things my body is not quite ready to engage in, but I am learning that I don't have to do a practice or continue with something just to complete it. That I can say "not today, not feeling this vigorous movement, or just not on the same heart-length as the instructor." Choice - quite magical isn't it? Loving wishes to ...
I am so happy lovely Cintia your doctor’s visit went ok! I hope your appt on the 23rd goes well and your spine is feeling ease. My spine shares in this pain at the moment from things my body is not quite ready to engage in, but I am learning that I don’t have to do a practice or continue with something just to complete it. That I can say “not today, not feeling this vigorous movement, or just not on the same heart-length as the instructor.” Choice – quite magical isn’t it? Loving wishes to you <3
Cintia have you ever thought of an exhibition in your city, with all your beautiful photos of flowers and trees? It could be a nice idea!
Hello Anna!
That’s good idea!
I’m going to think about it
Oh, what a magical gift of a moment you shared together. Thank you, Cintia.
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