My gratefulness has made me a far better person, practising kindness, compassion, generosity, not only monetary, but a simple smile. I've learnt to see beyond nature and hear the trees talk to me, sometimes people may think I am a little touched, I believe I am a completely new person, and owe it all to simple gratefulness......I have found my peace and practise everyday to ensure I can bestow my new found peace upon others. My world may be filled with turmoil, pain and conflict, but my daily de...
My gratefulness has made me a far better person, practising kindness, compassion, generosity, not only monetary, but a simple smile. I’ve learnt to see beyond nature and hear the trees talk to me, sometimes people may think I am a little touched, I believe I am a completely new person, and owe it all to simple gratefulness……I have found my peace and practise everyday to ensure I can bestow my new found peace upon others. My world may be filled with turmoil, pain and conflict, but my daily devotion of gratefulness, has enlightened me to ensure my world is far brighter.
Mindfulness has helped me to grow through acceptance. Acceptance to what is every moment leads to peace and serenity within. Am practicing this and getting better.
I have learned to go through the day in a leisurely manner and to do small tasks well and with focus and not get pressured by fretting about the things I’ve still got to do or should be doing or want to be doing. Paradoxically I find myself doing lots more twice as well with enjoyment and at the end of the day I enjoy a good sleep too. Now that’s something to be grateful for.
I am learning to be comfortable with the things I don’t like about myself. Instead of denying them, I bring them up and have a conversation with them and share them with others and look for the positive in them.
To be honest I haven’t at all but being submerged with my major issues within my life and surrounded by negativity as well from my Aunt dying from brain Cancer ( Feb 5th) ~ relationship issues ~ Depression and Anxiety. But I guess you can say that ive learned how to be supportive to other family members in their time of need ( that are taking it harder than me) to letting them know im there for them if they need someone to talk to and all.
I am on my way to deal with aspects of fear in a much more constructive way by now, accepting much more that I was having fear, which formerly I did tend to suppress, deny or hide even from myself.
My capacity to be with uncomfortable feelings in general has widened. By now, I feel the uncomfortable feeling (recently mainly it was fear), observe it and let it be as it is without allowing to overwhelm me; respecting and honoring that it is there, and be still with it.
I feel this is quite an o...
I am on my way to deal with aspects of fear in a much more constructive way by now, accepting much more that I was having fear, which formerly I did tend to suppress, deny or hide even from myself.
My capacity to be with uncomfortable feelings in general has widened. By now, I feel the uncomfortable feeling (recently mainly it was fear), observe it and let it be as it is without allowing to overwhelm me; respecting and honoring that it is there, and be still with it.
I feel this is quite an opening to whatever wants to appear in my life, while still being able to stay centered in more integrity and awareness of my inner truth and needs.
I realized that being together with others in this way – taking i.e. fear as a teacher – and allowing to learn through being with an uncomfortable emotion and not letting it overwhelm me nor escape inspires my life with others and vice versa. It eventually may be even of benefit for others as well. It frees, and I am so grateful that joy comes back, the more this freeing independence from any form of authority in my emotional system unfolds. Still work in progress, of course, but on my way to find balance in this.
I have realised that I sometimes raise my voice in anger if I want to make a point and I do not want to do that anymore. I want to do everything from a point of deep and abiding love. Even if I have to make a point if my voice can come from a deep sincere point of love it would make a difference.
I’m experiencing less FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), an immature, codependent way of being. My word for the year is “distill” which calls me into my own reality and depths (or superficialities for that matter). I can let go of feeling disheartened when I miss out on stuff. I have and am what I need!
I have grown less politically polarized as I have studied the work of Jonathan Haidt, particularly his book, The Righteous Mind. This has helped me to appreciate, even to some degree adapt, some of the useful elements of the other party’s mindset and appreciate the idea of moral pluralism.
Moving more mindfully, more peacefully. As Gandhi said: There is more to life than increasing its speed. Hey, it worked for him in meeting his objectives.
My dad died ten days ago. Each day that he came closer to death, we shared more and more about how much we meant to each other, even though we were not able to do this prior to his illness. I was able to look beyond the limitations of his personality and experience who he was at his core and for the first time he truly was able to see me for who I was and how much I loved and admired him. I hope to see all the people I love in this way, each day, knowing how precious life is. Waiting until...
My dad died ten days ago. Each day that he came closer to death, we shared more and more about how much we meant to each other, even though we were not able to do this prior to his illness. I was able to look beyond the limitations of his personality and experience who he was at his core and for the first time he truly was able to see me for who I was and how much I loved and admired him. I hope to see all the people I love in this way, each day, knowing how precious life is. Waiting until the last days of someone’s life to truly see their desire for love and acceptance, despite their actions and to forgive them for their shortcomings, to me- is just too late.
Thank you so much for sharing this core experience with us. I feel it is so precious that you had these moments of communion and love with your father during the last days of his life, although you might feel time was too short.
It is securely saved as a timeless experience in the book of your life. May you always remember the love you shared in these moments, and may this love always warm your heart, as it is sending its timeless light to you to ease the pain. Feel warmly embraced, dear friend...
Thank you so much for sharing this core experience with us. I feel it is so precious that you had these moments of communion and love with your father during the last days of his life, although you might feel time was too short.
It is securely saved as a timeless experience in the book of your life. May you always remember the love you shared in these moments, and may this love always warm your heart, as it is sending its timeless light to you to ease the pain. Feel warmly embraced, dear friend.
Thanks for this opportunity to appreciate ourselves a little! I think I am coming to terms ever so slightly with my own mortality. This makes me want to face up to past hurts and resentments and forgive. I have actually talked out loud to family members who have passed away. I want to forgive and be forgiven.
Oh, goodness. I am currently in a time of growth in some major areas, a place where I am starting to see more clearly how the puzzle fits together.
The list right now: Forgiveness, Self-Compassion, Finances, Awareness, Trust, Courage/Finding my voice, Allowing myself to feel more loved, and the ability to take more of an Observer role of my emotions and situations. (Like I said, it is a time of growth...on the accelerated track!)
They are all a work in progress, as I am a work in progre...
Oh, goodness. I am currently in a time of growth in some major areas, a place where I am starting to see more clearly how the puzzle fits together.
The list right now: Forgiveness, Self-Compassion, Finances, Awareness, Trust, Courage/Finding my voice, Allowing myself to feel more loved, and the ability to take more of an Observer role of my emotions and situations. (Like I said, it is a time of growth…on the accelerated track!)
They are all a work in progress, as I am a work in progress! ????
Since the US presidential elections in 2016, I have been very unhappy with the direction my country is moving in and horrified by the actions and behavior of our president. I have found a thin margin of comfort in the Serenity Prayer, leaning heavily on accepting (almost) the things I cannot change (yet). Otherwise, I’d be spiraling into a raving lunatic! The trick for me has been to eke out a sustainable measure of acceptance and inner calm (hello Spirit!) without sliding into a mindset of co...
Since the US presidential elections in 2016, I have been very unhappy with the direction my country is moving in and horrified by the actions and behavior of our president. I have found a thin margin of comfort in the Serenity Prayer, leaning heavily on accepting (almost) the things I cannot change (yet). Otherwise, I’d be spiraling into a raving lunatic! The trick for me has been to eke out a sustainable measure of acceptance and inner calm (hello Spirit!) without sliding into a mindset of complacency and inaction.
“God grand me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things that I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”
One of my dear, very peaceful friends, wrote to me several times of her struggles to accept this President and what we see as his often baffling and blatant disregard for so many things we hold as essential. Eventually, she wrote and told me the Spirit had told her very clearly that she already knew what to do with her enemies and she must pray for him! She grumbled a bit but decided to do so.
There followed a funny bit about the specifics, how she was to p...
You are very much not alone!!
One of my dear, very peaceful friends, wrote to me several times of her struggles to accept this President and what we see as his often baffling and blatant disregard for so many things we hold as essential. Eventually, she wrote and told me the Spirit had told her very clearly that she already knew what to do with her enemies and she must pray for him! She grumbled a bit but decided to do so.
There followed a funny bit about the specifics, how she was to pray FOR him and his personal welfare –rather than that something horrible would remove him from circulation and stop him from doing more damage. (No losing Air Force One in the Bermuda Triangle or praying a giant sinkhole under the Oval Office…)
She said it had not changed him one bit, but it had changed her, and that this was enough. She hasn’t changed her mind one bit, but she has changed her heart.
As you might guess, she is one of my “heroes of faith.”
You might enjoy reading some Anne Lamott. In her book series on grace (Traveling Mercies, Plan B, and Grace, Eventually) she speaks of her similar struggle over President George W. Bush. (I think it was the second book, mostly.) Her wrangling over being told she was to love soneone she could not stand was quite funny and illuminating!
Anne Lamott is active on Twitter and Facebook. You might also appreciate reading her there. She is not only praying but also is outraged and speaking out in opposition to the president. Today for example you will see her reactions to yesterday’s tragedy in Florida.
Thank you, Aine, this is helpful to receive. I have often prayed that Mr. Trump’s heart would soften. That’s about as far as I’ve gotten! But I agree, praying for people who seem despicable on many fronts is a gift I give myself regardless of the outcome.
I am familiar with Anne Lamott’s work, but should revisit it again for sure. Thanks, K.
My gratefulness has made me a far better person, practising kindness, compassion, generosity, not only monetary, but a simple smile. I've learnt to see beyond nature and hear the trees talk to me, sometimes people may think I am a little touched, I believe I am a completely new person, and owe it all to simple gratefulness......I have found my peace and practise everyday to ensure I can bestow my new found peace upon others. My world may be filled with turmoil, pain and conflict, but my daily de...
My gratefulness has made me a far better person, practising kindness, compassion, generosity, not only monetary, but a simple smile. I’ve learnt to see beyond nature and hear the trees talk to me, sometimes people may think I am a little touched, I believe I am a completely new person, and owe it all to simple gratefulness……I have found my peace and practise everyday to ensure I can bestow my new found peace upon others. My world may be filled with turmoil, pain and conflict, but my daily devotion of gratefulness, has enlightened me to ensure my world is far brighter.
I am learning to be grateful for everything lately, it is opening me to more peace and acceptance within myself
I’ve learned to be more empathetic with those whose actions have prompted me to feel pain or hurt feelings.
Mindfulness has helped me to grow through acceptance. Acceptance to what is every moment leads to peace and serenity within. Am practicing this and getting better.
I have learned to go through the day in a leisurely manner and to do small tasks well and with focus and not get pressured by fretting about the things I’ve still got to do or should be doing or want to be doing. Paradoxically I find myself doing lots more twice as well with enjoyment and at the end of the day I enjoy a good sleep too. Now that’s something to be grateful for.
I have learn to choose me. Many times I have choose what other wants for me…but the last year I learn I need to take my self seriously.
I am learning to be comfortable with the things I don’t like about myself. Instead of denying them, I bring them up and have a conversation with them and share them with others and look for the positive in them.
To be honest I haven’t at all but being submerged with my major issues within my life and surrounded by negativity as well from my Aunt dying from brain Cancer ( Feb 5th) ~ relationship issues ~ Depression and Anxiety. But I guess you can say that ive learned how to be supportive to other family members in their time of need ( that are taking it harder than me) to letting them know im there for them if they need someone to talk to and all.
My dad died of brain cancer on February 5th, too. I just had to reach out and say I am sorry for your loss.
Thank u ever soo much and the same to u as well
Going through a period of grief takes a long time I will keep you in my thoughts and prayer.
Thank u ever soo much I appreciate it ????
I am on my way to deal with aspects of fear in a much more constructive way by now, accepting much more that I was having fear, which formerly I did tend to suppress, deny or hide even from myself.
My capacity to be with uncomfortable feelings in general has widened. By now, I feel the uncomfortable feeling (recently mainly it was fear), observe it and let it be as it is without allowing to overwhelm me; respecting and honoring that it is there, and be still with it.
I feel this is quite an o...
I am on my way to deal with aspects of fear in a much more constructive way by now, accepting much more that I was having fear, which formerly I did tend to suppress, deny or hide even from myself.
My capacity to be with uncomfortable feelings in general has widened. By now, I feel the uncomfortable feeling (recently mainly it was fear), observe it and let it be as it is without allowing to overwhelm me; respecting and honoring that it is there, and be still with it.
I feel this is quite an opening to whatever wants to appear in my life, while still being able to stay centered in more integrity and awareness of my inner truth and needs.
I realized that being together with others in this way – taking i.e. fear as a teacher – and allowing to learn through being with an uncomfortable emotion and not letting it overwhelm me nor escape inspires my life with others and vice versa. It eventually may be even of benefit for others as well. It frees, and I am so grateful that joy comes back, the more this freeing independence from any form of authority in my emotional system unfolds. Still work in progress, of course, but on my way to find balance in this.
I have realised that I sometimes raise my voice in anger if I want to make a point and I do not want to do that anymore. I want to do everything from a point of deep and abiding love. Even if I have to make a point if my voice can come from a deep sincere point of love it would make a difference.
I’m experiencing less FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), an immature, codependent way of being. My word for the year is “distill” which calls me into my own reality and depths (or superficialities for that matter). I can let go of feeling disheartened when I miss out on stuff. I have and am what I need!
I have grown less politically polarized as I have studied the work of Jonathan Haidt, particularly his book, The Righteous Mind. This has helped me to appreciate, even to some degree adapt, some of the useful elements of the other party’s mindset and appreciate the idea of moral pluralism.
Moving more mindfully, more peacefully. As Gandhi said: There is more to life than increasing its speed. Hey, it worked for him in meeting his objectives.
My dad died ten days ago. Each day that he came closer to death, we shared more and more about how much we meant to each other, even though we were not able to do this prior to his illness. I was able to look beyond the limitations of his personality and experience who he was at his core and for the first time he truly was able to see me for who I was and how much I loved and admired him. I hope to see all the people I love in this way, each day, knowing how precious life is. Waiting until...
My dad died ten days ago. Each day that he came closer to death, we shared more and more about how much we meant to each other, even though we were not able to do this prior to his illness. I was able to look beyond the limitations of his personality and experience who he was at his core and for the first time he truly was able to see me for who I was and how much I loved and admired him. I hope to see all the people I love in this way, each day, knowing how precious life is. Waiting until the last days of someone’s life to truly see their desire for love and acceptance, despite their actions and to forgive them for their shortcomings, to me- is just too late.
Beautiful words
Thank you so much for sharing this core experience with us. I feel it is so precious that you had these moments of communion and love with your father during the last days of his life, although you might feel time was too short.
It is securely saved as a timeless experience in the book of your life. May you always remember the love you shared in these moments, and may this love always warm your heart, as it is sending its timeless light to you to ease the pain. Feel warmly embraced, dear friend...
Thank you so much for sharing this core experience with us. I feel it is so precious that you had these moments of communion and love with your father during the last days of his life, although you might feel time was too short.
It is securely saved as a timeless experience in the book of your life. May you always remember the love you shared in these moments, and may this love always warm your heart, as it is sending its timeless light to you to ease the pain. Feel warmly embraced, dear friend.
Thank you Ose.
Thanks for this opportunity to appreciate ourselves a little! I think I am coming to terms ever so slightly with my own mortality. This makes me want to face up to past hurts and resentments and forgive. I have actually talked out loud to family members who have passed away. I want to forgive and be forgiven.
kinder to myself. More at peace.
learning to set boundaries
That too has been a tough one for me Eva.
Oh, goodness. I am currently in a time of growth in some major areas, a place where I am starting to see more clearly how the puzzle fits together.
The list right now: Forgiveness, Self-Compassion, Finances, Awareness, Trust, Courage/Finding my voice, Allowing myself to feel more loved, and the ability to take more of an Observer role of my emotions and situations. (Like I said, it is a time of growth...on the accelerated track!)
They are all a work in progress, as I am a work in progre...
Oh, goodness. I am currently in a time of growth in some major areas, a place where I am starting to see more clearly how the puzzle fits together.
The list right now: Forgiveness, Self-Compassion, Finances, Awareness, Trust, Courage/Finding my voice, Allowing myself to feel more loved, and the ability to take more of an Observer role of my emotions and situations. (Like I said, it is a time of growth…on the accelerated track!)
They are all a work in progress, as I am a work in progress! ????
Since the US presidential elections in 2016, I have been very unhappy with the direction my country is moving in and horrified by the actions and behavior of our president. I have found a thin margin of comfort in the Serenity Prayer, leaning heavily on accepting (almost) the things I cannot change (yet). Otherwise, I’d be spiraling into a raving lunatic! The trick for me has been to eke out a sustainable measure of acceptance and inner calm (hello Spirit!) without sliding into a mindset of co...
Since the US presidential elections in 2016, I have been very unhappy with the direction my country is moving in and horrified by the actions and behavior of our president. I have found a thin margin of comfort in the Serenity Prayer, leaning heavily on accepting (almost) the things I cannot change (yet). Otherwise, I’d be spiraling into a raving lunatic! The trick for me has been to eke out a sustainable measure of acceptance and inner calm (hello Spirit!) without sliding into a mindset of complacency and inaction.
“God grand me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things that I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Peace in the heart, peace in the world.
You are very much not alone!!
One of my dear, very peaceful friends, wrote to me several times of her struggles to accept this President and what we see as his often baffling and blatant disregard for so many things we hold as essential. Eventually, she wrote and told me the Spirit had told her very clearly that she already knew what to do with her enemies and she must pray for him! She grumbled a bit but decided to do so.
There followed a funny bit about the specifics, how she was to p...
You are very much not alone!!
One of my dear, very peaceful friends, wrote to me several times of her struggles to accept this President and what we see as his often baffling and blatant disregard for so many things we hold as essential. Eventually, she wrote and told me the Spirit had told her very clearly that she already knew what to do with her enemies and she must pray for him! She grumbled a bit but decided to do so.
There followed a funny bit about the specifics, how she was to pray FOR him and his personal welfare –rather than that something horrible would remove him from circulation and stop him from doing more damage. (No losing Air Force One in the Bermuda Triangle or praying a giant sinkhole under the Oval Office…)
She said it had not changed him one bit, but it had changed her, and that this was enough. She hasn’t changed her mind one bit, but she has changed her heart.
As you might guess, she is one of my “heroes of faith.”
You might enjoy reading some Anne Lamott. In her book series on grace (Traveling Mercies, Plan B, and Grace, Eventually) she speaks of her similar struggle over President George W. Bush. (I think it was the second book, mostly.) Her wrangling over being told she was to love soneone she could not stand was quite funny and illuminating!
Anne Lamott is active on Twitter and Facebook. You might also appreciate reading her there. She is not only praying but also is outraged and speaking out in opposition to the president. Today for example you will see her reactions to yesterday’s tragedy in Florida.
Thej trick is to pay for those you resent to get the thingsm YOU want out of life, whether they’d actually like that ir not!
Thank you, Aine, this is helpful to receive. I have often prayed that Mr. Trump’s heart would soften. That’s about as far as I’ve gotten! But I agree, praying for people who seem despicable on many fronts is a gift I give myself regardless of the outcome.
I am familiar with Anne Lamott’s work, but should revisit it again for sure. Thanks, K.
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