Earth Angels

 That’s what nurses are—Earth Angels

I had a procedure done yesterday which had me at the hospital all day (it’s all good). From start to finish, with one tiny exception, the nurses were kind, extremely competent, and served as reminders of what I really wanted to do with my life, but was unable to make happen. That’s okay, really—I found other ways to love and serve others.

But nurses! Doing the hard work, being very knowledgable, and never forgetting the reasons they’re there. In my faith community, we are reminded to ‘love, serve, and remember’. That’s the nugget of nursing—and they get paid for it! And we, the patients, get to be the recipients of their calling.

Today, as I rest and recuperate, I will remember a couple of nurses in particular as I give thanks in my time of prayer and meditation. I will include friends who also followed that path, and the many people who show similar care and kindness, just because that’s who they are. My good friend took the day off work to be my driver, my encourager, my support person, and my latte-retriever. While she’d have made a stellar nurse, she simply acts on her instinct to be a helper in this world, and that’s a huge gift.

Today, as I just take it very easy, I will reflect on the gratitude I feel for these people, and others like them. May we all be people who love, serve, and remember. The world needs more of us.

Mighty Meditation

 I’ll confess right off the bat: I’m not a great meditator. I always intend to do more, but so far I haven’t succeeded in making it a habit. 

Today though, I attended two different-but-similar church services, each containing a few minutes of silent meditation. I liked those times of going within, just slowly watching my breath. They were times of peace.

Who doesn’t need moments of peace? I know I do! When I’ve taken the time to set my meditation timer and simply be in the moment, I find that the calmness lasts beyond the timer’s bell. That’s a winning argument to consciously make the time to meditate on my own.

I know from past practice that taking even a moment of purposefully quieting my mind pays immediate dividends to my sanity and peace of mind, so today’s invitations to simply breathe quietly into the moment served as a nudge to reestablish my daily implementation. I use the Insight Timer app, but there are many others which are helpful. 

I’m grateful for the reminders I received today to get back on track. That track carries peace and a centeredness, which is mightily important as I move into the time of year when there are a lot of harried, crazed shoppers on top of my own sometimes unreasonable expectations. 

May Peace prevail.

Om shanti om 🙏

Living in Community

 I got to sit in with a group of people today, all sharing their gratitude. What a treat to be with people openly sharing those things which give their lives meaning, from the seemingly insignificant to the grand.

It wasn’t a special event, or even one focused on Thanksgiving. It was a normal Saturday 12-Step meeting, filled with folks who have learned to stop fighting anything and everything, and simply relax into being their best, genuine selves. It’s an honor to be among such people—those who cheer each other on for victories large and small, and who encourage others who may need a dose of strength.

It was truly a wonder in my life to find myself in their midst. I have been able to find my bearings again and again, whenever I feel like I’ve strayed from who I am meant to be. I get lost sometimes, but they are always available for me to talk to, to get me back on track. I have been honored to find myself on the other side of that equation as well, reminding others of the strength they have access to.

It’s a daily thing, this learning to be my best, truest self. 

I am truly grateful for this community of many different sorts of people, all working together for a common goal, one day at a time.

Home-made Ice Cream

 And other delights!

I need to watch my weight. So far, all I’ve managed is to watch it go up…but I loves me some treats. How does a person find balance?

Finding the ‘middle way’ is a tenet of Buddhism. Can I possibly apply it to those yummy things which I find so appealing? Yes, I think so. Moderation, substitution, and education can work together, if I choose to use them. It always comes down to my choice. 

This is so in so many roads of life. Where have I gone overboard, and what were the consequences? Where have I held back, and how did those choices serve me or my growth? Little Red Riding Hood had to find her middle way at the Bear’s house: the porridge was too hot, then too cold, then just right; one bed was too hard, the next was too soft, then finally she found the one that was just right.

I tend to go overboard. If I know this about myself, what is my next right action? Why do I tend to ignore that in favor of doing what feels good in the moment? Ah me, what First-World problems I have!

So today I made ice-cream. Yum! And when I served myself some, I put a single scoop into a small bowl. It was yummy, and it was enough. Can I see this as a metaphor for finding that place of ‘just right’? I intend to find out, one decision at a time.

So today, I’m grateful to have the choices I have; what to eat and how much, how often to move and in what ways which won’t aggravate the other issues (hello, bursitis). These are things in which I can exercise some control. 

To home-made ice cream, and to self-control! I’ll let you know how that goes…

Thanksgiving

 Gratitude is riches and complaint is poverty.   Doris Day

I choose riches. I am surrounded by abundance. I delight in the opulence of nature, the plentifulness of all my needs being met, the lushness of life.

Today in the US, we celebrate a day set aside for giving thanks for the harvest of goodness in our lives. I am gratefully reminded that my desire is to do so every day. On sunny days, I’m grateful for the warmth. On cloudy days, I’m grateful for the invitation to go within. Every day, I am thankful for family and friends. I may live alone, but I need never be lonely. I am happy in my own company.

I enjoy a plenitude of needs being met: I have good food with which to nourish my body and yummy treats to simply enjoy; my home is safe and cozy; I have the kinds of creature comforts which allow me to simply be in the moment.

Today is a special day set aside for giving thanks. May we all remember every day to find our joy where we are, and to thank the Love which surrounds and enfolds us for every little—and big—thing.

The Disappearing Lake

 As I write this, I am bathed in the dappled sunlight reflected off of the lake just beyond the vacation house I’ve been in. It’s delightful, watching the changing patterns as the sunshine off the water dances on the ceiling. It invites relaxation and simply being in the moment.

This lake is one of many man-made bodies of water resulting from dams created decades ago, against the wishes of the original land-dwellers. Dam removal is underway, which will result in the draining of the lakes and restoration of the natural order. Docks have been removed, and landowners are coming to terms with their water-sports and lakeside living being transformed.

Sitting and looking at the wildlife who have made this lake their home is a reminder of change and adaptation. The wildlife will be fine. The ducks will find new feeding grounds, and the salmon will be free to return to their natural spawning practices. That which is lake today will be a beautiful meadow in time. 

It’s all a reminder to me of many truths: change is inevitable, and I can choose to embrace and welcome it or not; there are many experiences in life that I can’t change—all I can do is adapt to the newness; there is beauty in everything; ‘wait and see’ is a helpful way of anticipating those new ways of appreciating that which changes.

I’m happy to be here today, to see the loveliness of the lake while it still exists. 

In this moment, all is well.

Lazy Days

 That’s where I’ve been lately—lazing. Actually, ‘cocooning’ might be a better word for it. Sometimes, we all need a little down time, time to refresh, relax, rejuvenate, reconfigure, and any other alliterative verbs which come to mind.

I’m in healing mode right now, and I’m very glad to be able to take the time to do so. There haven’t been any tragedies or catastrophes, I’m relieved to say. It’s just been a time to water my inner garden and patiently wait for the tender sprouts to emerge.

Today, I am with a friend at her beloved lake house. A little later, we’ll drive to a beautiful small city to cheer on a mutual acquaintance as she begins a new journey of faith. How fortunate we are to be able to do so! The changing colors are still visible in the surrounding landscape, and the mist softens the views, matching them to the gentle peace within. Our drive will be unhurried, the only timetable being when to arrive. Leaving will happen whenever the moment feels right.

I’m grateful today for the slow pace which encourages deep peace and an appreciation for this very moment.

Gratitude in the Flow

 I was thinking about the so-called ‘love hormone’ oxytocin. It is the hormone released by nursing mothers, but is also released during moments of deep bonding with another. It’s that wonderful feeling of hugging a loved one, and being hugged in return. I think it is also responsible for the feeling I get when I allow myself to truly, deeply feel gratitude for anything—a glorious sunset, the sweet laughter of children, appreciation and wonder for mighty works of art or for the smallest of creations.

When I take the time to keep my eyes and my mind open to beauty, I find it. How often have I driven somewhere and thought only of my destination and getting there safely, and completely missed the wonders around me. I mean, a driver has to pay attention to the task at hand, of course, but when I am open to noticing the environment, I get to see that flowering bush, this glorious tree changing color. 

In my living space, can I see it with eyes of gratitude? I look at my mementos, and recall their origins. I can let myself feel all the associated love behind them. When I look at my inner environment, I have the choice to be grateful for my experiences and where they’ve landed me in the present. If I allow myself to see the good, rather than getting stuck in the mud of regret, I can more fully appreciate everything I’ve gone through.

Having an ‘attitude of gratitude’ starts my day with the soul wash of the love hormone doing it’s sacred job. It puts me squarely, safely, serenely into the flow of life. It’s my choice.

The Beauty of This Season

 I rode with some singing friends yesterday to yet another Celebration of Life, and it was, again, a celebration! It was in a wine country city a couple of hours away, so our driver took a back route to get there. The colors were marvelous! Wine country is beautiful most of the year, with meticulous vines in rows up and down the hills. They still had their leaves, which were wonderful shades of yellows and oranges, and the sun hit them with a clarity which magnified their beauty.

As a former drinker, I had avoided trips to or through wine country for several years. This time, though, I wasn’t pining for a tasting, thank goodness. I could simply enjoy the beauty, and consider how much money I had saved by not purchasing any fancy grape juice!

There were more colors at the celebration of our friend’s life: her dozens of scarves were on display for friends to take whatever caught their eyes. I now can be wrapped in a multi-color hug in a hand-loomed shawl! Her son also had her many pairs of earrings out for the taking. What a lovely thing to do!

The way home was lit by the golden light close to sunset, which set off the yellows and oranges of the vineyards. It was simply spectacular! It made the many hours in the car a rare treat.

In this time of change, I am grateful to be able to see and enjoy the wonders of nature, the colorful creations of my Creator, in the beauty of this season.

What a Slacker!

 This is the month of Thanksgiving in the US. This whole blog is about having gratitude. So where have I been?!

I’ve been full of gratitude, because that’s how I choose to see my life, but have been having issues, both bodily and emotionally. I have to say that maintaining an ‘attitude of gratitude’ doesn’t mean not feeling feelings or recognizing lessons for what they are. We all have challenges, and whether they are trifling or life-changing, gratitude can be found and felt.

My body is challenging me with more pain than usual, but it is fairly controllable with meds, rest, and focused movement. Emotional issues are more along the line of lessons being faced, so are ultimately a good thing. Challenges teach me, stretch me, and are boulders in my path which can be overcome. The results, lessons learned, help me grow as a human being. I am immensely grateful for this growth.

On this day, I will be singing for a person as they are on the threshold of the end of this life. I can’t be concerned with personal issues when I’m doing something for another person. I’ll be with two others as we sing gentle lullabies. These friends are lovely, giving women, who, by their service to others, teach me to give of myself without thought of myself. I’m very grateful for them.

I’m learning, day-by-day, to ‘get over myself’! I’ll keep that in mind as I face each beautiful, different, sometimes challenging and sometimes easy clump of 24 hours. Sometimes I accomplish a lot, and sometimes I’m more of a slacker. I accept myself either way.

Today, I’m grateful for self-forgiveness 💚

Sprinklejoy

 This popped up in a shared gratitude list this morning: “Sprinklejoy (noun) This captivating term combines ‘sprinkle,’ signifying a light, delightful addition often associated with sweets, with ‘joy!’ representing a feeling of great happiness and delight. It’s used to describe the little, delightful moments and gestures in life that bring immense happiness and light to our days.”

Examples given included receiving and unexpected bouquet from a friend, or a spontaneous dance around the living room. They are “Sprinklejoy” moments which make life brighter and happier. 

Can these moments exist without silently—or loudly—expressing gratitude? I don’t think so. I believe gratitude begets joy and serenity and inner peace. If that gratitude shows up as a Sprinklejoy moment, all the better!

Today, I will be open to moments of bliss and spontaneous joy, with gratitude for a new way of thinking about them.

May your day be filled with an abundance of Sprinklejoy!

Día de los Muertos

 Sugar skulls, marigolds, and photos of departed loved ones—these are some of the symbols placed on altars (ofrendas) in Mexican and Aztec tradition. It’s purpose is to both honor loved ones who have died, and to make the fact of death one which is very much part of life.

This is a tender time, I think. It’s good to have a few days of looking at the photos of the deceased and remembering the sweetness of their lives. This is represented by the sugar skulls, which aren’t simply decorations—they are eaten by the children to give them the memory of happiness amid sorrow.

It’s not a bad idea, this normalizing death and celebrating lives lived. Many of us became more aware of the celebrations and importance of remembering our loved ones from watching the delightful Pixar film “Coco”. In fact, I may watch it again today, just because it is both timely and fun!

On this day, I will take the time to celebrate the lives of family and friends who have made their final journeys. I’ll create an ofrenda for them, with photos and candy, and I will thank each of them for how they added to my life. I’ll consider what I learned from each of them, and I’ll toast them all with a sweet drink.

Today, I’m grateful to have a special time to recognize these important folks who are, as Kathleen McGowen writes, “just in the next room”.