In what ways am I growing? Perhaps in surrender, letting go, humility and learning to stay open to uncertainty and not knowing. I feel like I am in more of a composting than a growth phase.

Praying for courage, clarity, moisture, flexibility, rain, lots of sun and wide open time and space to nurture new growth.

Also praying for good and healthy experiences, energy and company as I let go of the old, open to and embrace the new.

Grateful for this community. ????????????????…

Thank you for the helpful question and thoughtful reflections.

When I feel pain I tend to isolate, go inwards and withdraw. Grateful living invites me to reach out, connect and stay connected with life, while staying rooted in my own body, mind, spirit, core and with the great tree of life.

It also invites me to self-compassion, self-care and kindness, without which I am not much good to others. That is the journey I suppose.

I do not have answers to this question for now, so will stay open to life giving practices for grateful living in the presence of pain.

Deep gratitude for this forum and community to live the questions!

Warmly, KC

‘Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two breaths, turning inwards in prayer for five short minutes’ Etty Hillesum

I am fortunate with all that has led , leads and supports me to life-giving practices. That includes the demo.gratefulness.org community! These practices guide me to embrace, celebrate and honour the pause between breaths and to make the best choices I can with the moments through each day.

Fortunate to be alive, healthy, in good company and with a warm, sunny day to embrace. ????????

Wishing all exquisite moments in your unfolding day ahead!

Warmly, KC

As I learn to accept my own vulnerability I become more human and kind. I learn to reach out in prayer and gratitude, whether inside or out, to connect with a wider source.

With extended family this weekend and an aging father, it is a lovely invitation to find a softer place and way to connect. Will appreciate this question and invitation and practice returning to acceptance of what is – behind the times of tension, words and gestures of strength.

Thank you for this timely question!

Aine, Thank you so much for sharing your wise lessons and words. Perhaps the learnings you mention are ones I am now ready to learn as well. Learning who to be with and how, and to say no to the people and situations that do not nurture us really is key. Setting priorities and practicing to say No, in order to say Yes to our inner needs is also a big thing.

I especially love and appreciate your kind inner parent voice, which speaks as a new voice to replace, or perhaps challenge the ‘stern inner parent’. Such a kind and beautiful practice to lovingly ask ourselves “You are hurting now. What do you need”?

Yesterday I returned from a two week vacation with my husband, cousin and elderly father. I heard my father’s critical, judgemental and domineering voice more clearly now than ever before, and pray for the courage and strength to develop a kind inner voice to honour my own beauty and needs now. It feels so selifish, to make self-compassion and care of self a priority, in order to be there in a kind way with and for others. And, I am not sure what else to do now.

Your reflection offers courage and hope for a kinder, more peaceful and forgiving path forward. Thank you!

And, I wish you continued healing, greater ease and less pain this day and in the days ahead.

Warmly, KC