See our Privacy Policy
Δ
Gratefulness
Dogs. For their unconditional presence and love and their ability to live in the now, in a simple, full bodied, uncomplicated way. They bring joy and happiness!
Envy offers a mirror and opportunity to reflect on my own values, interests, needs and priorities, to be honest with myself and my truth, and to adjust and commit where/ as appropriate, necessary and of course possible.
It is also yet another invitation for self-kindness, compassion, humility, acceptance and gratefulness for my own circumstances and gifts.
Also an invitation to humour, lightness, letting go, embracing, celebrating and enjoying life, and rolling with what i...
Also an invitation to humour, lightness, letting go, embracing, celebrating and enjoying life, and rolling with what is! Perhaps a mantra is helpful – That’s how it is to right now…
(And yes, I would have dearly loved a summer vacation in the Swiss Alps! Maybe next year, or the year after that …)
Start with a brief formal sit, and pause through the day.
Keep showing up and practicing being present to whatever is in the moment, with kindness, focus and whatever calm, peaceful, connectedness I can muster.
Practice lovingkindness and compassion.
Anchor with the breath or whatever fits – inside or outside the body.
Keep returning to the breath, hands, body, thoughts, feelings, sounds … one breath… one step… one …
A few things:
– do not hang out too long in the past of future, but/ and keep practicing returning to and being in/ with the present; – do not allow my thoughts or feelings to go too far or long in an unhealthy direction; and very kindly keep bringing them back to a healthy place, returning, returning … – do not get bogged down and forget to find joy, wonder, beauty, delight, connection, curiosity, companionship in the moments and activities of eac...
– do not hang out too long in the past of future, but/ and keep practicing returning to and being in/ with the present; – do not allow my thoughts or feelings to go too far or long in an unhealthy direction; and very kindly keep bringing them back to a healthy place, returning, returning … – do not get bogged down and forget to find joy, wonder, beauty, delight, connection, curiosity, companionship in the moments and activities of each day – do not forget to seek out the company of family and friends – do not forget the golden rule, or to look for things to do for others – do not forget to keep things small and simple – do not take any of it too dang seriously! – do not forget to keep connecting with spirit … – never, never, never give up ????????????…
Today’s quote resonates for me ‘when one us able to overcome the romantic and emotional attitude, one discovers truth even in the kitchen sink’. Chogram Trungpa. Brief conversations with my husband and a dear friend this morning kept my flame burning so far…
A quiet, caring listening presence. The ability to express myself through words and image. I might allow these gifts more full expression in the world through prayer, surrendered action, courage, taking baby steps, and finding and building support along the way to keep taking risks and keep going. Pushing myself to set small goals and take baby steps outside my comfort zone is a good start!
Meditation Reading, writing, drawing … Music Friendship and conversation Laughter for sure! Connecting with nature, the elements and change of seasons! Children and dogs Walking, hiking, cycling, yoga, dancing Working together with others Celebration in community!
???????????? …
Take the time to check in with body, mind and spirit at regular intervals and as required. Practice reaching out, staying and being connected with others, and not thinking or trying to do it all alone. Asking for help when I need to, and offering the same as I am able.
Beautiful. Thanks!
Carol, Thank you for the quote – ‘ you have to be free to free others’. Such a helpful and affirming quote, and perhaps something to aspire to! Warmly, KC
Hi Anna, Too wonderful! I would love to hear more about your time in the Swiss Alps over Christmas! And of course I am happy to share stories and images of the Northwest Coast of North America. There is so much beauty everywhere, and right where we are! Warmly, KC
Thanks Christina! Funny. The 8 minutes is totally manageable. Will get to the NPR show in good time and look forward to it. Hope your practice is supporting a good week so far! ???? …
Thanks Christina! I tried the 8 minutes before heading out yesterday, and may aim for the same today! I look forward to listening to the NPR science show as well. Until then – many thanks for this practical and manageable approach! Best for your day. Warmly, KC
Anna, Thanks so much. Warm blessings for your day! ????????????…
Gina, I so appreciate your embracing and sharing this discovery, that somehow it all works out as we practice being kind to ourselves first. Such a journey! Warm blessings for your day!… KC
Thanks Gina. Namaste ????
Thank you grateful sea. Your reflection is so helpful and affirming…
Hi Anna, Yes, like so many, I stuggle with a hard wired attitude of thinking and acting as if I need to do it all alone.
Like you, I meditate in the morning and try in the evening. The rest if the day is hit and miss! I just looked up the three minute breathing space, and technique developed by Zindel Siegel and a few MBCT pioneers. Tried his meditation on YouTube twice, and it seemed pretty effective! One suggestion I received was to schedule three minute checking through the day...
Like you, I meditate in the morning and try in the evening. The rest if the day is hit and miss! I just looked up the three minute breathing space, and technique developed by Zindel Siegel and a few MBCT pioneers. Tried his meditation on YouTube twice, and it seemed pretty effective! One suggestion I received was to schedule three minute checking through the day. The other was to do them at random as required. So far I have not done either! Your post has promoted me to try to create a habit of this practice. With gratitude for your note, and best for your day! Warmly, KC
Such wisdom Aine. Thank you! Not easy to do though! ????????…
Aine, I too really appreciate your approach to the wounded inner child – to separate from her, acknowledge the hurt, and to treat that imaginary child as she would like to be treated today. And, to know that she is a part of us and not us. Such a journey! Patience, encouragement and compassion seem so essential!
Stay connected to the community by adding people to your list.
This site is brought to you by A Network for Grateful Living, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax deductible in the U.S.A.
© 2000 - 2024, A Network for Grateful Living
Website by Briteweb