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Gratitude Lounge

Welcome! We are glad you are here. This is an open space where everyone belongs, and everyone is welcome. Please introduce yourself as you feel comfortable and join in sharing your experience of grateful living. To get started you might reflect upon questions such as these: What am I grateful for? What is grateful living inspiring me to do? What are some blessings in my life (including ones in disguise)? How am I being supported right now? What connects me to wonder, awe, or a sense of the sacred? You are welcome to include images and links for videos to illustrate your reflections.

  • Cathy

    Happy Birthday, Dear Drew!

  • Maryke

    What is better … to feel dead, or be dead? Is it the same … does it ever end?

    • Cathy

      I’m here, Maryke. I can’t answer your questions but I think that is okay. Warm hugs.

  • Anna

    Dear Drew, happy birthday! May you have a joyful day with people you love!

  • Ose

    Wishing you a happy birthday, too, dear Drew., and many joyful days for you to come. Warmly, Ose

  • Palm

    Happy 48th Birthday Drew! 🎂🎈🎉

  • grateful sea

    Dear Drew, I want to wish you a very happy 48th birthday! Thank you for being part of this community!

    • Pilgrim

      Dear grateful sea, I join with our other friends here in saying I am so glad to see your icon here today! Many blessings.

    • Cathy

      Grateful Sea! Happy to see you!

    • Anna

      Dear Grateful Sea! 🌸🌹🏵

    • Ose

      Yippee, you are back!!! So good to see you again, dear grateful sea! You were so missed. A warm embrace, if I may, dear friend.

    • Palm

      So happy to see you grateful sea! I was just thinking about you… you are always so thoughtful, dear friend…

  • Cathy

    While I love today’s Word for the Day and especially admire Ms. Weahkee, I am deeply moved by the accompanying photograph. I’ve gone back to it several times this morning and it keeps striking a chord deep within my soul. Astounding work!

    • Anna

      For me, Cathy, the baby is so tender … complete trust in his father, no matter what infinity brings. For an adult, the sight of a horizon can mean many feelings, memories, concerns, hopes, for a child if there is a parent who loves him, it is as if the horizon was not there, just look at his parent.

  • Cailinrua
    I'm fairly new to the site and I just watched the video A Grateful Day for the first time. What a beautiful reminder of how gorgeous our world really is. I live in the Northwest where the skies are grey a lot this time of year, so seeing vibrant colors was a joy. I haven't been able to travel in recent years, so seeing the diversity of people on our planet (I used to live for that) was uplifting. I am very grateful for all of this today. I'm planning to check out some of the other videos th...

    I’m fairly new to the site and I just watched the video A Grateful Day for the first time. What a beautiful reminder of how gorgeous our world really is. I live in the Northwest where the skies are grey a lot this time of year, so seeing vibrant colors was a joy. I haven’t been able to travel in recent years, so seeing the diversity of people on our planet (I used to live for that) was uplifting. I am very grateful for all of this today. I’m planning to check out some of the other videos that come up. I used to be simpler and more in tune with what really matters. I have many layers of old paint and varnish to peel back!

    Read More
    • Patjos

      Grateful that we can meet and ‘peel’ together. Happy Day! :)))

  • Jeanne

    “When you get the chance to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.”
    Each day is filled with wonder, embrace it and share it. Thank you God.

    • reality

      May these eyes open again, as never before again. Thanx for sparking life’s memories.
      Lee Ann Womack – ‘I Hope You Dance’ 🙂

      I hope All dance, blessings be 🙂 reality

    • Patjos

      And the more we see, the more our eyes and hearts are opened. Such a blessing! :)))

  • Diane
    Good morning lovely friends My husband and I just returned from a much-needed 3 days at a lodge in the mountains. It was a wonderful retreat...we unplugged, enjoyed the beautiful grounds and amenities and delicious meals. I am so grateful that we had this time away...it was good medicine for the stress and uncertainties we have been experiencing in our lives of late. My heart was with you all on Tuesday as we drove to our getaway destination. How wonderful to see that cp is with us stil...

    Good morning lovely friends

    My husband and I just returned from a much-needed 3 days at a lodge in the mountains. It was a wonderful retreat…we unplugged, enjoyed the beautiful grounds and amenities and delicious meals.
    I am so grateful that we had this time away…it was good medicine for the stress and uncertainties we have been experiencing in our lives of late.
    My heart was with you all on Tuesday as we drove to our getaway destination. How wonderful to see that cp is with us still….such a blessing to this community. Thank you dear cp for gracing us with your presence.

    Sending you all my grateful love ♥

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    • cp

      Dear Diane,
      that sounds lovely!

      I must admit it feels a little odd to get so much gratefulness for my simple presence in this community. It is not a completely altruistic act, you know 😉 It rather makes me feel a little closer to Ursi – sort of „walking in her shoes“ 😌 I appreciate that, especially when the day is over, all the others are sleeping and I am lying on the sofa with my thoughts wandering around …

      • Pilgrim

        And you bring us Ursula – Ursi – whenever you post, as well. We are very glad you are here.

  • Cathy

    I found this photo in my archives. One of my all-time favorites. Sharing for admiration of the earth’s splendor. (Sorry for the dating, that’s how I did it back then. Hoping a photoshopper will remove the date for me someday.)

    • cp

      I see what you mean 😊

      • Cathy

        Those are gorgeous, cp! I see a spaceship over the sun in the lower photo; my husband sees Christ with His arms outstretched. Hmmm, I’ll be thinking about that for a while this evening.

    • Mica

      Thank you Cathy! Where is it? It looks like sort of a pagoda on the right. I love the clouds that feel like a ceiling.

      • Cathy

        Exoctic looking, right?
        Marathon, Florida (The Keys) 🙂
        I don’t venture far from home!

    • Pilgrim

      Lovely, Cathy. Thank you for sharing the beauty!

  • Drew Blanton

    Apparently there are groups in the non-digital world called gratefulness groups. I think of this lounge as a gratefulness group. Besides, that helps me since I need help to get out of my house.

    • Pilgrim

      Happy Birthday, Drew!!

    • Serafina

      Hi Drew, You are correct.  If you (or anyone else) would like to know more about our Gratefulness Gatherings you can find information here https://gratefulness.org/connect/gratefulness-gatherings/  Have a lovely weekend.

  • Mica

    Hard times with one of my adult children. There. I replied to an email now that hopefully made a tiny dent in the black hole.

  • Ose
    Tonight, please let me pray for all who are confronted with the danger of the new Corona virus. May the relatives of the ones who died due to this unknown disease find consolation and warmth, that they hopefully are able and allowed to be together with their families and friends. May the ill heal. May they be gifted with the shelter and healing force of universal love. The time of quarantine must be very difficult to withstand, especially for the ones on the cruise ships who are trapped in the t...

    Tonight, please let me pray for all who are confronted with the danger of the new Corona virus. May the relatives of the ones who died due to this unknown disease find consolation and warmth, that they hopefully are able and allowed to be together with their families and friends. May the ill heal. May they be gifted with the shelter and healing force of universal love. The time of quarantine must be very difficult to withstand, especially for the ones on the cruise ships who are trapped in the tiny rooms without windows. May all the ones who have to endure the hardships of quarantine stay calm and balanced. I pray for your well being. May you all be safe. Tonight, we were gifted with a letter of a dear friend currently staying in China, which touched us all deeply. May you and your husband be safe and healthy, and may you and your family be protected by His love. May you all be blessed.

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  • cp

    Look what I found on this prayer Tuesday! Poppies were among Ursulas favourite flowers … 😊

    • reality

      Yes, the uncommon multiplicity of good, etc., can never be estimated, only under-estimated. Walking in nature’s balance, giving back to her abundance is that unending gift. As well, the more art is given, the more it is; including the art of living. Thanks for all you do; have a good day 🙂 reality

      • cp

        Thanks for putting this in words. So true!

        • reality

          Thanks for acknowledging it, and possibly sharing my words; if you will? Have a good day 🙂 reality

    • Ose

      Thank you for this lovely pic, dear cp. It is such a gift that you share here with us. Ursula, who we all hold dear, is with us through you also. Blessings to you, dear friend, on this Tuesday prayer day, and to all who share and visit here.

    • Anna

      Thank you dear CP. I too love poppies, I have two poppies tattoed on my left arm!
      Many blessings, I hope you are fine, CP.

      • cp

        Dear Anna, thanks for your blessings 😊

    • Pilgrim

      Blessings to you on this prayer Tuesday, dear cp, and to all who visit here, and whose hearts are with us even when unable to post. Thank you cp for this lovely quote and picture of poppies (for me a reminder of the Wizard of Oz!).

      • cp

        I also send you blessings, Pilgrim 😊

  • Maryke

    I’ve read that forgiving sets your free. But I am not at that stage yet … can I set the person free (no thinking of them, no contact, just know they exist, but henceforth have no say in my life) just let them go – like blowing on a Dandelion? Because that is what I feel I can do without forgiving. To cut the invisible strings of years of manipulation, just cut it and move on with my life.

    • Cathy
      The word “forgive” has a couple of definitions according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (see snippet). I love the way you describe the first definition, Maryke, when you say “no thinking of them, no contact, just know they exist, but henceforth have no say in my life, just let them go.” Allowing them no bandwidth in your mind and soul, ultimately, you will feel nothing at all toward them, not even resentment, as they have no place anywhere in your being. As you set them free from your...

      The word “forgive” has a couple of definitions according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (see snippet). I love the way you describe the first definition, Maryke, when you say “no thinking of them, no contact, just know they exist, but henceforth have no say in my life, just let them go.” Allowing them no bandwidth in your mind and soul, ultimately, you will feel nothing at all toward them, not even resentment, as they have no place anywhere in your being. As you set them free from your life, you are beautifully set free! You are wise, Maryke, and I so appreciate your sharing these excellent descriptions of how to do difficult things in life.

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    • Pilgrim

      I would think so, Maryke. This can take some time, I think, and reminders to yourself to wash them from your thoughts. Be incredibly kind to yourself in the days ahead as you allow this letting go. You have much support here.

      • Maryke

        Thank you. Everyone screams ‘Forgive’ but I can’t, I just want to keep that person cut off from me and my life. This gives me hope.

        • Mica

          Yes, Maryke – don’t listen to the screamers! Hugs to you

  • reality
    A reflection on the word of the day: “I cannot cause light; the most I can do is try to put myself in the path of its beam. ANNIE DILLARD”. What I cannot do is impossible for anyone alive today to even imagine. “…We(e),…” so easily and readily fall into the convolution’s projected homeostatic state of mediocre (they project as ‘human nature’); especially in this mediocracy of the united suck of assassins- why? Volumes to explain, yet, what is easy to elucidate is that you, ...

    A reflection on the word of the day: “I cannot cause light; the most I can do is try to put myself in the path of its beam. ANNIE DILLARD”. What I cannot do is impossible for anyone alive today to even imagine. “…We(e),…” so easily and readily fall into the convolution’s projected homeostatic state of mediocre (they project as ‘human nature’); especially in this mediocracy of the united suck of assassins- why? Volumes to explain, yet, what is easy to elucidate is that you, illimitable in potential and indivisible as life are capable of the unimaginable too; expecially if you walk in nature’s balance, giving back to her abundance. In a state of heightened consciousness I easily filled a room with my inner-light; anyone can do it- there’s no reason to though, as we have candles, etc.. Why do we choose doing miracles is out of reach; besides the fact that it is? We can be miracles evolving every moment of everyday; there’s no-thing in any of our ways. Thanx for all you do; have a good day 🙂 reality

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  • typhoon syndrome

    Mmmm a savory quote for you if today’s here wasn’t exquisite enough…

    Rumi says: “I am an ark in the swift flood of time, and my companions, a fellowship. Who throws in with us sails into light.”

    • Ose
      Thank you so much for the beautiful picture and zooms! Only able to joining shortly yesterday, I was deeply moved when zooming into its mystery. So touching my heart - the ark coming from the dark, having to pass a kind of gate in order to be allowed to heading to the light towards the direction of the stars of love winking in the distance, inviting all beautiful "I -arks" to become one with. It feels like the "natural" most beautiful path we all are all on, offering hope and deep joy. So grate...

      Thank you so much for the beautiful picture and zooms! Only able to joining shortly yesterday, I was deeply moved when zooming into its mystery. So touching my heart – the ark coming from the dark, having to pass a kind of gate in order to be allowed to heading to the light towards the direction of the stars of love winking in the distance, inviting all beautiful “I -arks” to become one with. It feels like the “natural” most beautiful path we all are all on, offering hope and deep joy. So grateful for the opportunity for the heart´s embrace.
      If you don´t mind, I would like to share a link to some music I treasure, which came up while diving into this beauty and which expresses some of the connection. I hope the link will work.

      Read More
    • Mica

      Wow! Thanks for the pic and its 2 zooms – a picture is worth lots of words!

  • Diane
    Good morning lovely friends. I have sadness in my heart. My beloved farmland behind our home is undergoing some unknown changes. Big ugly machines are tearing up the fields and making big holes. I am grieving over this but also find strangely that I am (so far) grateful for the opportunity to practice letting go and being still. And, no matter what the reason or outcome, I am eternally grateful for the 4 1/2 years we have lived here, enjoying every moment of watching the farmers harvest the...

    Good morning lovely friends. I have sadness in my heart. My beloved farmland behind our home is undergoing some unknown changes. Big ugly machines are tearing up the fields and making big holes. I am grieving over this but also find strangely that I am (so far) grateful for the opportunity to practice letting go and being still. And, no matter what the reason or outcome, I am eternally grateful for the 4 1/2 years we have lived here, enjoying every moment of watching the farmers harvest the hay….it has been such a gift and a delight in my life.

    I ask your prayers during this time of upheaval. Perhaps this is a sign that it is time to move on? I believe in the Divine guiding hand and “the rod and staff” that gently leads us in the way we should go.
    Both of our daughters are in Colorado. My husband is feeling the pull of retirement and the pain of his osteoarthritis. Our property requires a lot of physical labor to upkeep. So….I will trust that all is unfolding as it should.

    We don’t know exactly what is happening with the farm but for now I am choosing to “Let Go and Let God”
    My icon is a picture of the hay field behind our home….I am sharing a larger one here with all of you and with a grateful heart ♥

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    • typhoon syndrome

      Oh my kind of like a rural Fern Gully tale!

    • Ose

      My prayers are with you, dear Diane. To “let go and let God” seems to be giving both hope and freedom to be open to whatever is meant to be for you and your family, gently. May your hearts stay centered in the energy of love.

    • Patjos
      I feel for you. I see this quite often in my job and it still tugs at my heart. My solace is to look beyond this to a new day when we will once again Love and Respect our dear Mother, but for now this is needful. Your 'rod and staff' reminded me of some words which I posted here yesterday, before moving them into my journal. Here they are now: Sometimes it’s so hard remembering Sometimes we feel so far from home Sometimes our own worst enemy Is this my needful state? My rod an...

      I feel for you. I see this quite often in my job and it still tugs at my heart. My solace is to look beyond this to a new day when we will once again Love and Respect our dear Mother, but for now this is needful.
      Your ‘rod and staff’ reminded me of some words which I posted here yesterday, before moving them into my journal. Here they are now:

      Sometimes it’s so hard remembering
      Sometimes we feel so far from home
      Sometimes our own worst enemy

      Is this my needful state?
      My rod and staff,
      Which brings me back?

      Yet never far
      Is who I am
      Who we are
      Is always here
      And in this moment
      Now
      One
      And
      All

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      • Diane

        Dear Patjos…what a lovely, and timely offering. Thank you for sharing with me these beautiful and thoughtful words from your heart. ♥

    • Pilgrim

      Dear Diane, you are an inspiration in your outlook and openness to all that is taking place on the beautiful land, and to the opportunities and directions in which you may be invited. As a mother of two daughters – one of whom lives across the country – I feel your heart in missing your own daughters. You have much to ponder with your husband, and I will be holding you in light and love in the days ahead. You are a model of wisdom and openness for me, my friend.

      • Diane

        My dear Pilgrim…thank you for your kind words. And for holding me close during this time of uncertainty.
        I responded to a post of yours from a few days ago….if you scroll down you will see it.
        From my heart to yours dear friend. ♥

        • Pilgrim

          I appreciate you letting me know about your post below, my friend. I have read and responded.

    • Anna

      Oh dear Diane, I’m sorry for this new challenge. I feel amazed looking at this photo, so I can understand what you say.
      You are fantastic Diane, your trust in this hand that gently leads us is an incredible strength that is deeply rooted in your heart.
      May you be gently guided and keep these images like a treasure.

      • Diane

        Cara Anna…..Thank you for your loving support and encouragement my friend. It is a treasure to me. ♥

    • Mica

      Colorado! That’s where my long-ago college roommate’s kids live. My roommate is dealing with similar issues about where to live. I love your upbeat response to the changes you’re seeing. Hugs and warm wishes to you in this challenging time!

      • Diane

        Thank you Mica….Colorado is a spectacularly beautiful place in a different way than our farmland here. I am grateful for the possibilities before us. ♥

    • Palm
      Dear Diane, you are in my prayers... my first thought, before I read your words saying it, was that this could be a sign... I love how you say “the Divine guiding hand that gently lead us”, I am grateful for your compassion, my friend.. I feel that we are in this together as, for a while now, I have been pointed towards change: work not doing as expected, neighbourhood getting increasingly busy, narrowing options for my daughter’s education ... Thank you for your wisdom in seeing all o...

      Dear Diane, you are in my prayers… my first thought, before I read your words saying it, was that this could be a sign… I love how you say “the Divine guiding hand that gently lead us”, I am grateful for your compassion, my friend..
      I feel that we are in this together as, for a while now, I have been pointed towards change: work not doing as expected, neighbourhood getting increasingly busy, narrowing options for my daughter’s education …
      Thank you for your wisdom in seeing all of this as an opportunity to practice letting go… it is not easy to uproot oneself, but I think you wrote the key word: “gently”…
      Thank you for sharing your story and beautiful picture, thinking of you, Diane, with love and blessings 💕

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      • Diane

        Palm….you are so kind and generous to share your own challenges with me. Let us travel together gently through each coming day. Love and blessings to you as well my friend ♥

      • Anna

        Dear Palm, you too have so many challenges! my prayers are with you, dear friend, I am sure that the same hand that will gently guide our Diane, will gently guide you as well. With love.

      • Mica

        Dear Palm – hugs and warm wishes to you, too, as you deal with questions of change.

  • Mica

    I miss the beautiful welcoming green banner! I resent all those tiresome little words that are now posted at the top of this page!

    • Serafina

      Hi Mica, Thanks for bringing this to our attention. ♥ The welcome banner has been restored.

      • Mica

        Wonderful, Serafina! I didn’t like posting a ‘resentment’ but I felt so strongly. The new banner Has it All.

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