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 videos to illustrate your reflections. Click here to cancel reply.Please log in or Create a Profile to post a comment. Alicia Mary Ann Parr1 month agoAlicia Mary Ann ParrHello, dear friends , old and new, praying for you all. Love you all. I’m so grateful to read so many posts. 4 Reply Ose1 month agoOseSo good to see you! A warm embrace, if I may. 3 Reply Alicia Mary Ann Parr1 month agoAlicia Mary Ann ParrI gratefully accept 3 Reply Dottie1 month agoDottieI am grateful for long-term sobriety, for physical and mental health, for a good brain, for a roof over my head, clean water and nourishing food, for my job and my education, for healthy children, the love of a kind and generous partner, for good friends and for those that raised and nurtured me. I am blessed beyond measure and even though I can get caught up in my own self-absorption and fears of the future, my experience has shown me that there is an Abiding Presence that wants me to experien...I am grateful for long-term sobriety, for physical and mental health, for a good brain, for a roof over my head, clean water and nourishing food, for my job and my education, for healthy children, the love of a kind and generous partner, for good friends and for those that raised and nurtured me. I am blessed beyond measure and even though I can get caught up in my own self-absorption and fears of the future, my experience has shown me that there is an Abiding Presence that wants me to experience peace, joy, love and safety. I feel compelled to share this knowing with others. I trust that I will be shown how to do that. In the mean time, I try to stay out of my own way and just repeatedly say to the Universe, “Thank you.” – a deeply felt, resounding “Thank you!” Read More6 Reply Ose1 month agoOseA deep thank you for sharing your gratefulness with us. From my heart, welcome, Dottie. 1 Reply Diane1 month agoDianeDear Dottie…..thank you so much for sharing your gratitude with us here in this sacred space. I hope you will continue to visit with us. Abiding Presence is such a beautiful way to describe what is sometimes difficult to put into words. Peace to you this day. Om Shanti ♥ 2 Reply Alicia Mary Ann Parr1 month agoAlicia Mary Ann ParrDear Dottie, I read your post last night. I found myself thinking if I could speak to you directly, I would tell you sobriety takes great stamina, determination, and the deepest courage. I would not consider “ self- absorbed” as a description in the latter of your post . You are living in sobriety for the sake of others as well as yourself. Honoring you, Alicia 2 Reply Mary1 month agoMaryWelcome Dottie. Thank you for sharing your gratefulness. I first started posting on this site about three years ago. I am especially fond of the Gratitude Lounge. You will find many good, kind hearted people sharing here. I hope to hear more from you soon. Sending love Mary 4 Reply Dottie1 month agoDottieThank you, Mary. I hope to be a frequent visitor! 3 Reply Mary1 month agoMaryI would like that very much! 1 Reply Anna1 month agoAnnaDottie, reading a gratitude post is always a nourishment for the soul, so thank you! 3 Reply Pilgrim1 month agoPilgrimDear Dottie, thank you for sharing all that you are grateful for with us here. For me, these are reminders not to forget the gifts and grace I have been given. 3 Reply Ann1 month agoAnnThank you, Dottie, for sharing and being a voice in cultivating gratefulness. 3 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful seaBeautiful, Dottie. Thank you for sharing your gratefulness. 3 Reply Ann1 month agoAnnIn choosing to answer today's question of the day about resilience, I let myself reflect back on what were, in their time, horrible days, minutes, hours, even long, enduring seconds, that seemed to last forever and what I felt in my heart would overwhelm me beyond physical survival. It's not something I would normally choose to dwell on these days, and though it brought me quite a bit of discomfort to reflect on them, it occurred to me that maybe, by my posting about it and my current gratefuln...In choosing to answer today’s question of the day about resilience, I let myself reflect back on what were, in their time, horrible days, minutes, hours, even long, enduring seconds, that seemed to last forever and what I felt in my heart would overwhelm me beyond physical survival. It’s not something I would normally choose to dwell on these days, and though it brought me quite a bit of discomfort to reflect on them, it occurred to me that maybe, by my posting about it and my current gratefulness for the support I was given that helped me claim some ability to be resilient, will inspire and/or encourage someone else. Read More8 Reply Diane1 month agoDianeDear Ann….thank you for sharing so generously from your heart. In doing so you are being what my guru Henri Nouwen called “a wounded healer”. I am grateful for your desire to inspire and encourage others. I hope you will visit us again here in this sacred space. ~Blessings ♥ 2 Reply Ann1 month agoAnnThank you, Diane for your loving, supportive, and encouraging reply. 2 Reply Anna1 month agoAnnaThank you, Ann! 3 Reply Ann1 month agoAnnThank you, Anna. 3 Reply Pilgrim1 month agoPilgrimThank you for sharing this with us here, dear Ann. Your words and experience are inspiring and encouraging. 3 Reply Ann1 month agoAnnThank you, Pilgrim. It’s really nice to know. 3 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful seaDear Ann, this is just to say that I have read your story about resilience and I hold it in my heart. Thank you. 3 Reply Ann1 month agoAnnThank you, Grateful Sea, for your reply. Much appreciated! 4 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful seaps I want to say that I smile when I see your icon because I think we must have in common a love of hummingbirds. 2 Reply Ann1 month agoAnnActually, it’s an image ascribed to me by friends who chose it because I’m 5′ tall, and I used to do lots of things very fast 3 Reply Anna1 month agoAnnaToday the Word for the day photo reminds me of this one, which I took last August. I was traveling from Sicily to Rome. I am extremely grateful for my last summer vacation in Sicily. That day, the sea was like oil, the warm light embraced me in my greetings towards that beloved island, so magical and surprising, so sacred, yet so suffering. 4 Reply Diane1 month agoDianeCara Anna…..this picture whispers “peace” to me. Thank you my friend for sharing. ♥ 2 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful seaOh, it IS magical, Anna. I feel I can float in it (the light, the water, the air, all one) just from the photograph. Thank you. 4 Reply Pilgrim1 month agoPilgrimJust lovely, dear Anna. Thank you for sharing this! 4 Reply Mary1 month agoMaryHi. It’s been too long. I have dropped in more than once to post but decided each time to try to catch up. By the time I was mostly caught up, it had gotten to be too late. So I am coming here without trying to catch up first on how every one is doing. I hope everyone is well. I have been thinking about being grateful and I realize that I could be happier by being grateful. I could use this so much more than I do. For the month of October I have been working part time. Yay! It actually...Hi. It’s been too long. I have dropped in more than once to post but decided each time to try to catch up. By the time I was mostly caught up, it had gotten to be too late. So I am coming here without trying to catch up first on how every one is doing. I hope everyone is well. I have been thinking about being grateful and I realize that I could be happier by being grateful. I could use this so much more than I do. For the month of October I have been working part time. Yay! It actually happened. I am playing with finding a balance between structuring my time and allowing myself unstructured time. I really love to do nothing. Play on my iPad. Nap. Watch tv shows. I love that. But too much of that and I get groggy. Darn the grogginess!🙃 I have practiced bad habits of over working during my work week and being in recovery mode during my off time. So now I have an opportunity for a better life. But this requires moderation. What? I don’t have to work 12 hours on work days? Nor 10 hours. What? I can relax and be active on days. This has eluded me for many years. So I am finding I have to force myself to do enjoyable things outside the house. And also just get myself up and going on my off days. I have to build up my self discipline muscle because this baby just wants to sit. So this is what I am working on while I have the good fortune an opportunity to have a nice life. Could anyone even wish fo a happier problem. A few things I have forced myself to do. Working out at the gym. I did not want to go. But I did twice last week (it’s a start) and plan to do so Monday Tues and Wed of next week. I have been doing some art. My plan is to work on a piece of art every day. I use the term art loosely so as not to feel pressured. The point is to get some art materials in my hands and do something. I have been enjoying this.. I have been enjoying spending time with my kitten ( actually my 23 year old cat) Marvin. So I am going to see a movie with my husband. It’s called Parasite🤨⚠️. Might be intense for me, but we shall see. So I have to get up and and start moving around. Love to all of you.!!! Mary I always , always proofread, but no time so this might be weird. Spellcheck errors and whatever. Wishing each one of you a lovely day. You are in my heart always. Mary Read More4 Reply Diane1 month agoDianeDear Mary....Yippee!!!! I am so so happy to hear that the part-time hours you had been hoping for has been realized! This makes me smile real big 😊 I know firsthand the joy you are feeling with your new schedule...it is a sort of "lightness" isn't it? You will find your balance...it took me awhile and some missteps along the way....so be patient with yourself! The quote you mentioned by Rilke is one of my favorites....I feel compelled to get that coffee mug too! ☕ Stay flexible and cu...Dear Mary….Yippee!!!! I am so so happy to hear that the part-time hours you had been hoping for has been realized! This makes me smile real big 😊 I know firsthand the joy you are feeling with your new schedule…it is a sort of “lightness” isn’t it? You will find your balance…it took me awhile and some missteps along the way….so be patient with yourself! The quote you mentioned by Rilke is one of my favorites….I feel compelled to get that coffee mug too! ☕ Stay flexible and curious my friend! ~Wishing you all the joys your heart can hold Mary, With love ♥ Read More1 Reply Mary1 month agoMaryThanks Diane, Some days when I’m off it’s like I can hardly believe it. That does feel very light. And then I’ll marvel that I really pulled it off. I don’t give myself enough credit for that. Very few teachers job share, but I had heard about it so I put out the word. Amazing. It worked. I must admit being pleased with myself feels so much better than being hard. I’ll have to give myself credit more often. Thanks for your encouragement Diane! Mary 2 Reply Mica1 month agoMicaThank you, Mary – I love the use of your word ‘playing’ in this sentence: “I am playing with finding a balance between structuring my time and allowing myself unstructured time.” I love playing on my ‘smart phone’, perhaps while lying on the sofa and snoozing. I’m quite bad now at getting 5000 steps a day – I have good rationalizations for letting myself get fewer steps.. Warm wishes and hugs to you on your journey! 2 Reply Mary1 month agoMaryThanks Mica. It is 12:30 and I haven’t worked out yet. I’ll get there. 3 Reply Mica1 month agoMicaThere are always other days... I walked to the near-by Safeway and bought the groceries on my list this morn! I'm proud of myself for getting that done, and I'll have bananas for my breakfast tomorrow. Happily, I like line dance classes, which are 2x per week, so I give myself 5000 steps credit for those, even though all the stepping back and forth and side-to-side means that my pedometer actually shows much less than 5000 steps... And I give myself lots of points for walking up to my 4th f...There are always other days… I walked to the near-by Safeway and bought the groceries on my list this morn! I’m proud of myself for getting that done, and I’ll have bananas for my breakfast tomorrow. Happily, I like line dance classes, which are 2x per week, so I give myself 5000 steps credit for those, even though all the stepping back and forth and side-to-side means that my pedometer actually shows much less than 5000 steps… And I give myself lots of points for walking up to my 4th floor condo. There’s a gym in my condo complex, but I never go to it.. My daughter has been very tidy all her life and is finally giving herself permission to: Leave Dishes in the Sink!! – I wish her well. I wish you well, too! I think some Guru said it: “Don’t worry – Be happy”, but one doesn’t want to Should On oneself about that either! Read More1 Reply Mary1 month agoMary💕💕 2 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful seaMary! Oh, I am so happy to see you! And to hear your good news, so long hoped for! Hugs to you and Marvin too. 3 Reply Mary1 month agoMaryHere is Marvin. So good to hear from you grateful sea. 4 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful seaOh, Mary, he is absolutely gorgeous! To see him really makes me smile. Thank you. 1 Reply Pilgrim1 month agoPilgrimDear Mary, I am happy for you that your hope and intention to work part time has happened! Congratulations on going to the gym – this is not always an easy practice to follow through on. And what a fine invitation, to work on your art, to get the flow of creativity moving within. Enjoy the unfolding of all of this in the days ahead, my friend! 3 Reply Mary1 month agoMaryThank you Pilgrim.. 3 Reply Mary1 month agoMaryI bought a coffee mug at the grocery store because it had a quote on it that I like so much. “Be patient towards all that is unsolved in your heart” Rainer Maria Rilke. I’m not sure that I’m using my time wisely. But I do think that my spirit is very tired. A spiritual focus would help, so I am just now looking at that. I am praying for guidance and trying to remember to be grateful. And I am grateful. So good to hear from you Pilgrim. 4 Reply Carla1 month agoCarlaI’m dropping by to share my awe about my continued healing & rehabbing post total knee replacement. I am grateful there’s no rejection or infection with a science made ‘bone’ in my leg, Very grateful for the absence of bone on bone pain. Grateful for the circle of pray-ers who carry me & friends who sustain me with support. The Divine Healer is present with Grace like a healing balm, 7 Reply Ose1 month agoOseSo happy that you are healing, dear Carla. Thank you for letting us know. May all be well. Blessings to you. 5 Reply Mica1 month agoMicaThank you, Carla, for ‘dropping by’ – such a lovely image – and for the good news of your healing. ‘Good point about ‘no rejection’ – I’ll remember that if I fail in my goal of keeping all my joints. 6 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful seaWonderful, Carla, truly wonderful, your healing. (ps I like very much your metaphor of the lounge as a lake) Wishing you a beautiful day. 5 Reply Anna1 month agoAnnadear friends, I think we are a wonderful community and, since we have known each other for a long time, we respond to our dear friends and share much of our lives, knowing also what happened in the past. This thought brings me to reflect on the fact that perhaps other people do not feel encouraged to write. However, we always welcome new friends, but few keep posting. So sometimes I wonder if there might be another way to welcome and let people know that the Lounge is not an exclusive place. M...dear friends, I think we are a wonderful community and, since we have known each other for a long time, we respond to our dear friends and share much of our lives, knowing also what happened in the past. This thought brings me to reflect on the fact that perhaps other people do not feel encouraged to write. However, we always welcome new friends, but few keep posting. So sometimes I wonder if there might be another way to welcome and let people know that the Lounge is not an exclusive place. Maybe it’s one of my boring thoughts that come and go, come and go, but I’d like to share it with all of you, and also our dear friend Serafina, who has a global vision of all participating in this site. I wish everyone a relaxing weekend. May everyone find her/his energy again. Read More4 Reply Mary1 month agoMaryHi Anna. I often wonder the same. I remember when I first joined I felt a strong sense of being the new person. I didn’t feel like I was getting the same amount of responsiveness when I commented as people who had been here for a long time were getting. Part of this may have been that I would often respond to the question of the day rather than stay in the gratitude lounge. It seems to me that new people are received very openly and with welcoming words from so many here. But I think th...Hi Anna. I often wonder the same. I remember when I first joined I felt a strong sense of being the new person. I didn’t feel like I was getting the same amount of responsiveness when I commented as people who had been here for a long time were getting. Part of this may have been that I would often respond to the question of the day rather than stay in the gratitude lounge. It seems to me that new people are received very openly and with welcoming words from so many here. But I think there is no avoiding the fact that they don’t yet share in the history we have with one another. Nobody likes feeling like the outsider. Perhaps as part of welcoming a new person each of us could introduce ourselves by saying something about ourselves or our own history so that a person would feel less like a new person among old friends. This would give a new person a chance to connect more easily. This could feel awkward though. It would require a lot of openness on the part of each of us here. But to me openness only feels good when I want to be open, and I don’t always feel comfortable being open. And the Gratitude Lounge should always feel like a very safe place for all. So I think this could be just one of many possibilities, and words of welcome would always be wonderful and would be enough. But I think Anna, you have opened up for this community the question of how we can best welcome a new person. It does not surprise me that you, Anna, being such a deeply caring person, would think to bring this up. I think this is an excellent question that we all can reflect on. Read More2 Reply Serafina1 month agoSerafinaOn behalf of the Gratefulness Team I want to thank you for your thoughtfulness Anna. What a sweet post. Thank you for putting out the welcome mat and encouraging others to participate. Thank you Carla, Palm, Pilgrim, Grateful Sea and Diane for echoing the sentiment that everyone belongs and for so warmly receiving others. We are truly grateful for your loving kindness. 5 Reply Pilgrim1 month agoPilgrimThis would be a wonderful picture to include up at the top of the Lounge page! 1 Reply Carla1 month agoCarlaAnna, I echo what’s bern shared that your comment isn’t boring,! My own experience of coming into the Lounge -It initially felt like it’s “closed circle”, perceived as only open to those with a long history together. I can only speak for me. A fairly new comer. I find the Lounge to be a fluid space-ever changing-more like a relaxing lake where individuals jump in and swim together now & then. And one can swim in full autonomy without interacting/commenting to others. I also need to...Anna, I echo what’s bern shared that your comment isn’t boring,! My own experience of coming into the Lounge -It initially felt like it’s “closed circle”, perceived as only open to those with a long history together. I can only speak for me. A fairly new comer. I find the Lounge to be a fluid space-ever changing-more like a relaxing lake where individuals jump in and swim together now & then. And one can swim in full autonomy without interacting/commenting to others. I also need to share that I’m not a water person, nor a swimmer, but this metaphor seemed “right.” Read More5 Reply Palm1 month agoPalmDear Anna, oh my friend, I have been having the same thought for a long time.. I admire you for bringing it up… I just wanted to say that for now, and thank you for your wishes, just what I need and wish also for you and everyone 💕 4 Reply Pilgrim1 month agoPilgrimNot boring at all, dear Anna! Rather a sensitive awareness for all of us to consider, as none of us wish to be non-inclusive. Thank you, my friend. 5 Reply Diane1 month agoDianeDearest Anna…it is so like you to be thinking of others. And may I please reassure you that your thoughts are never boring! It is very sensitive and thoughtful of you to consider how other visitors may feel more welcomed here. And I believe that your intentions will be blessed my friend. Have a relaxing weekend as well cara Anna and please continue to take good care of yourself and be patient with yourself as you continue to heal. ♥♥♥ ~Blessings and love 5 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful seaYes, dear Anna, I am with you in wishing this the lounge to be a place where all feel welcome. Everyone. I will think on this too, if I have any ideas. I remember when I first started reading and wanted very much to be part of the community but felt so scared to post, mostly because of bad internet experiences previously. But I was so drawn to the kindness and deep wisdom of all of you here that I finally found the courage to show myself. And I am so very very grateful for this community in my ...Yes, dear Anna, I am with you in wishing this the lounge to be a place where all feel welcome. Everyone. I will think on this too, if I have any ideas. I remember when I first started reading and wanted very much to be part of the community but felt so scared to post, mostly because of bad internet experiences previously. But I was so drawn to the kindness and deep wisdom of all of you here that I finally found the courage to show myself. And I am so very very grateful for this community in my life now. It is my first day home after some weeks of travel which was a blessing but also disorienting/exhausting so I will close for now, and try to catch up/reconnect here in the next few days. Peace, all. Read More4 Reply Diane1 month agoDianegrateful sea….welcome home! So lovely to see you after all your travels. I too find traveling both a blessing and quite exhausting! I hope you will take some time to rest and renew and practice whatever self-care you need. ~Om Shanti dear friend ♥ 5 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful seaThank you, Diane, thank you. 3 Reply Diane1 month agoDianeGood morning lovely friends This morning I am most grateful for my home....still standing after a frightening tornado watch last night. It is very unusual for this area of the U.S. and I was thinking, amidst the scariness of the event, of all of those who live in other parts of the country for whom this is a not-uncommon occurrence. I am grateful that our home is still standing and with no power outage..... a minor miracle as others in our area have lost power. How grateful I am that the l...Good morning lovely friends This morning I am most grateful for my home….still standing after a frightening tornado watch last night. It is very unusual for this area of the U.S. and I was thinking, amidst the scariness of the event, of all of those who live in other parts of the country for whom this is a not-uncommon occurrence. I am grateful that our home is still standing and with no power outage….. a minor miracle as others in our area have lost power. How grateful I am that the lights turn on, and we have hot water…not to mention a roof over our heads! My beloved sugar maple tree Minshi sits very close to our house and she has not been doing well, despite our efforts to save her these past 4 years since we moved here. The tree expert we have been working with came to inspect her and agreed with my husband’s assessment that she needs to come down before she falls over on our house. God and His angels surely were holding her down last night and, although my heart is breaking, it has become quite clear that she must be taken down professionally…and soon! This awareness somewhat eases the pain of losing our tree…I was in denial, not wanting to give up on saving her, but last night cured me of that! Today it is quite cold and still pretty windy here but the sun is shining brightly and I have nowhere to be. My heart is filled with gratitude for this time to just be safe and sound and cozy in my little farmhouse. And for the reminder that God works in so many mysterious ways to make us more aware of our blessings, some that I often take for granted. ~Be well dear friends…blessings and love ♥ Read More8 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful seaDear Diane, like Ose I didn't know what to say when I read your post, for sadness -- so connected is my heart to trees, as I know it is for you and others here. It is truly difficult to lose a close tree companion. And I know how much Minshi means to you. I remember the way the ground and the house shook when the beloved Mother Tree of this hollow fell suddenly one windless morning. She was also a Sugar Maple, over 200 years old I guessed. So grateful we were that no one was injured as she cr...Dear Diane, like Ose I didn’t know what to say when I read your post, for sadness — so connected is my heart to trees, as I know it is for you and others here. It is truly difficult to lose a close tree companion. And I know how much Minshi means to you. I remember the way the ground and the house shook when the beloved Mother Tree of this hollow fell suddenly one windless morning. She was also a Sugar Maple, over 200 years old I guessed. So grateful we were that no one was injured as she cracked at the base and fell down slope, full-force across our road. So grateful for her gift of firewood. Later, I wished I had thought to ask a local artisan to craft a bowl from her wood but at the time we were consumed with quickly clearing the narrow road between the creek and the steep slope. I remember, Diane, how important ceremonies are to you, and maybe you might find comfort in creating a thanksgiving ceremony for Minshi? Oh, but even a hug is a sacred ritual I believe, to be heart to heart with a tree. And I’m sure you are a tree hugger as am I. Sending love and a big hug from grateful sea. Read More2 Reply Ose1 month agoOseDear Diane, I don´t know what to say, it breaks my heart to hear you might cut down Minshi. If you allow, prayers come along to possibly save your beloved Maple tree, God willing. Blessings to you and Minshi, dear friend. 2 Reply Anna1 month agoAnnaDear Diane, so happy that you are safe and your farm has not been damaged. I’m sorry for your maple tree, I try to imagine it and it’s certainly wonderful. Nature provides these wonderful objects, but they can be dangerous if their time is up. I join Pilgrim, you can plant another tree next year. And as Mica says, you can take a part of it, as a sweet memory. Feel embraced sweet Diane. 3 Reply Diane1 month agoDianeThank you Anna….I do feel embraced my friend! And yes…it has become quite clear that her time is up. But we will continue to enjoy what is left and be grateful for that. 🙏 4 Reply Pilgrim1 month agoPilgrimI'm glad to know you are safe and sound, dear Diane! I feel your heart on your sugar maple. I had one at my last home, and it broke my heart to leave it behind. Would you plant another one next year, farther out from your house? We change our clocks this weekend, which always throws off my rhythm for many days. A harbinger of the seasonal changes just ahead. I feel like I don't know where this year has gone, with so much time indoors, healing, and going to PT appointments. I am more than gra...I’m glad to know you are safe and sound, dear Diane! I feel your heart on your sugar maple. I had one at my last home, and it broke my heart to leave it behind. Would you plant another one next year, farther out from your house? We change our clocks this weekend, which always throws off my rhythm for many days. A harbinger of the seasonal changes just ahead. I feel like I don’t know where this year has gone, with so much time indoors, healing, and going to PT appointments. I am more than grateful that in the last couple of weeks I have been able to visit my Fall favorites, and check them off on my seasonal bucket list. It helps me feel as if I didn’t miss the whole year, which is a gift. Be well, my friend. Read More2 Reply Diane1 month agoDianeThank you my friend for your understanding. I have always felt a deep connection to trees...perhaps because I am a biologist and understand their unique and vital place in Creation. But I have also always connected to them on a deeply spiritual level. Several years ago I wrote about that in a reflection that was eventually published in a small magazine. My husband had it enlarged and framed and it hangs in my bedroom by the desk where I so often am sitting when I post here! We have so man...Thank you my friend for your understanding. I have always felt a deep connection to trees…perhaps because I am a biologist and understand their unique and vital place in Creation. But I have also always connected to them on a deeply spiritual level. Several years ago I wrote about that in a reflection that was eventually published in a small magazine. My husband had it enlarged and framed and it hangs in my bedroom by the desk where I so often am sitting when I post here! We have so many trees here on our property that we probably won’t plant another. But we are leaving a good size stump behind so she will still be a presence in my little gnome garden 🙂 And we are keeping her wood to use to build our fires both in our wood burning stove this winter and in our backyard fire pit at winter’s end. So, as I said to Mica…she will continue to be our very own “Giving Tree” (one of my favorite books in the world!) 🙂 Read More2 Reply Anna1 month agoAnnadear pilgrim, I am sorry for your feelings, but it is normal for you to feel it this way. I remember one of your first posts when you talked about your love for trees and walking outside. I think of you, my friend. We did the watch change last weekend and it is always boring at the beginning. During this year, so difficult for you, you have always supported us in such a way that I felt your closeness, as if I were a friend I can meet on the road. Even for something so small (but not small) you d...dear pilgrim, I am sorry for your feelings, but it is normal for you to feel it this way. I remember one of your first posts when you talked about your love for trees and walking outside. I think of you, my friend. We did the watch change last weekend and it is always boring at the beginning. During this year, so difficult for you, you have always supported us in such a way that I felt your closeness, as if I were a friend I can meet on the road. Even for something so small (but not small) you didn’t waste your year. Read More2 Reply Pilgrim1 month agoPilgrimThank you, dear Anna. I really feel as if, in addition to my family, all of you on this site have been saving grace for my heart and spirit over these months. Rather like walking into a local coffee house and finding familiar people, greeting them and catching up a little with them (all of you). A gift! 4 Reply Mica1 month agoMicaThanks for the good news about your home and power – and it’s good that you will let the sugar maple go. Can you do something with the wood or at least the stump? I still have a short piece of the stem of the bloom spike of an agave plant, from several homes ago now. 2 Reply Diane1 month agoDianeDear Mica…yes we have already spoken to them and they are going to leave a nice size stump…perhaps I will use it to display a pot of flowers or herbs. Or maybe I will use it as a place to sit and meditate.🙏 And we are keeping her wood to use in our wood-burning stove. So she will continue to be a very “giving tree” 🙂 3 Reply Gilberto1 month agoGilbertoNavigating through difficult times now and trying to learn from my good relationships and leaving behind the bad one. 7 Reply Alicia Mary Ann Parr1 month agoAlicia Mary Ann ParrHello, Gilberto, wishing you the very best and less distress as you journey to better times. I believe you will succeed. 1 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful seaHello Gilberto. Welcome. I hope that the practice of gratefulness helps you through these difficult times. It has been so for me. Thank you for sharing the beautiful painting. It brings to my mind tidal marshes I have loved and the magic of navigating narrow channels through tall grasses via canoe. Wishing you a splash of joy today. 1 Reply Diane1 month agoDianeDear Gilberto…thank you for sharing. This is a wonderful community to be a part of while navigating through life. I hope you will continue to visit us here. The painting is lovely…can you tell us more about it? ~Blessings 2 Reply Mica1 month agoMicaThat’s a lovely painting! 1 Reply Drew Blanton1 month agoDrew BlantonI wasn’t born with my disability, I got it because I was run over by a car when I was 19 months old. I was in a coma for about a couple of months. Today I’m an artist who has many talents. I go to a place called VSA North Fourth Art Center. http://www.vsartsnm,org 7 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful seaHello Drew, thank you for telling us more about yourself and about VSA North Fourth Art Center. From the website, it certainly does look like a vibrant community of artists. It makes me happy just to see and think about. I love art and would love to hear more about your work. Wishing you a great day. 2 Reply Drew Blanton1 month agoDrew BlantonI can post some of it. 3 Reply Drew Blanton1 month agoDrew BlantonI thought I could, anyway, but it doesn’t seem to be working. I should be able to do some creative writing, at the very least, In fact, I think I’m doing that right now, 2 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful sea🙂 Thank you, Drew! I hope you will try again (when you have a chance) to post some of your work. 1 Reply Diane1 month agoDianeDear Drew....thank you for sharing this. I went to the website you gave us.....what an amazing place! You must be so grateful to be a part of this incredible community of artists. And in New Mexico... I have never been but have always wanted to visit. It seems a magical landscape to me, much like Arizona where my daughter lived for 11 years. 🌵 I am happy for you to be surrounded by such beauty and to have a place where you can express yourself through the gifts you have been given as an a...Dear Drew….thank you for sharing this. I went to the website you gave us…..what an amazing place! You must be so grateful to be a part of this incredible community of artists. And in New Mexico… I have never been but have always wanted to visit. It seems a magical landscape to me, much like Arizona where my daughter lived for 11 years. 🌵 I am happy for you to be surrounded by such beauty and to have a place where you can express yourself through the gifts you have been given as an artist. You are an inspiration to me Drew. Thank you again so much for sharing. ~Blessings ♥ Read More4 Reply Palm1 month agoPalmDear friends, as I start writing, I feel a soothing of my spirit… yesterday, I was on the question of the day, but didn’t manage to get to the Lounge, as I fell asleep with my daughter. I have been thinking of our dear Ursula, especially on the third month of her passing last Sunday. Learning a bit more about her beloved Santa Marta, I have been inspired to become the master of my home, or “ama de casa” (housewife in Spanish). Sometimes I do it better, in other occasions, my spirit feels...Dear friends, as I start writing, I feel a soothing of my spirit… yesterday, I was on the question of the day, but didn’t manage to get to the Lounge, as I fell asleep with my daughter. I have been thinking of our dear Ursula, especially on the third month of her passing last Sunday. Learning a bit more about her beloved Santa Marta, I have been inspired to become the master of my home, or “ama de casa” (housewife in Spanish). Sometimes I do it better, in other occasions, my spirit feels tired. Work in progress. I pray for a safe home for everyone. Love and blessings Read More3 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful seaDear Palm, beautiful friend, thank you for being here with us even in your weariness. How sweet to think of you falling asleep with your daughter. Hugs to both of you. And may your energy well up again. I am touched by your thoughts of Ursula and Santa Marta. To be "ama de casa" is a noble endeavor and I am inspired too. Like Anna and Diane, I also love learning Spanish. Recently, I have been captivated by a song... El Derecho de Vivir en Paz... a new collaboration by many Chilean musicians. So ...Dear Palm, beautiful friend, thank you for being here with us even in your weariness. How sweet to think of you falling asleep with your daughter. Hugs to both of you. And may your energy well up again. I am touched by your thoughts of Ursula and Santa Marta. To be “ama de casa” is a noble endeavor and I am inspired too. Like Anna and Diane, I also love learning Spanish. Recently, I have been captivated by a song… El Derecho de Vivir en Paz… a new collaboration by many Chilean musicians. So beautiful is their energy, the harmonies, and I would like to learn all the words so I can sing along. Thank you also, my friend, for your reply to my last post and telling of your ama ryllis, blooming again after dormancy (and remembering my childhood story). I must remind my mother of this gift that she gave me (such a symbol of resiliency!) and perhaps it can in some way lift her a bit as she is really struggling now. Love and blessings to you, dear Palm. Read More2 Reply Diane1 month agoDianeDear Palm....oh my friend, we are all a work in progress! I know lately I have certainly been feeling that way! :) I am a lover of the Spanish language (my daughter is fluent, she spent a year in Spain after college and then back in the U.S. became a Spanish teacher) I love the phrase "ama de casa". And like you, some days I do better than other days! I will leave you with a little prayer that I say every morning in both English and Spanish. Have a blessed day my friend ♥ "Gracia...Dear Palm….oh my friend, we are all a work in progress! I know lately I have certainly been feeling that way! 🙂 I am a lover of the Spanish language (my daughter is fluent, she spent a year in Spain after college and then back in the U.S. became a Spanish teacher) I love the phrase “ama de casa”. And like you, some days I do better than other days! I will leave you with a little prayer that I say every morning in both English and Spanish. Have a blessed day my friend ♥ “Gracias Papito Dios por el milagro de un otra dia de la vida” “Thank you Abba Father (Daddy) for the miracle of another day of life” Read More3 Reply Anna1 month agoAnnaNew Spanish words ... wonderful Spanish language ... "ama de casa", in Italian "casalinga"! Dear Palm, I imagine as you fall asleep with your daughter, tired after your work. I'm also experiencing this new tiredness, which comes from an unbalanced health, and I started to cuddle myself in my soft blanket, at least until I have a hot flushing going through me 😊". I hope you can enjoy some moments of relief. I have always loved Santa Marta, perhaps because as a child the priests have always...New Spanish words … wonderful Spanish language … “ama de casa”, in Italian “casalinga”! Dear Palm, I imagine as you fall asleep with your daughter, tired after your work. I’m also experiencing this new tiredness, which comes from an unbalanced health, and I started to cuddle myself in my soft blanket, at least until I have a hot flushing going through me 😊”. I hope you can enjoy some moments of relief. I have always loved Santa Marta, perhaps because as a child the priests have always meant Santa Maria as an example. And you probably know that when an authority forces an example, most human companions start loving another, especially if a true different model! Now I appreciate both Mary and Martha, who represent two different moments in my life, the busy day and the time for meditation at night, the possibility of welcoming strangers both with actions and a spirit of listening. And speaking of meditation, to help me find a new balance, I am trying out some practices during which I imagine me outside of myself, looking at myself and experiencing a wonderful sense of love, kind love, a sense of deep and humble support. Palm, take care of yourself and kiss your daughter. Read More4 Reply Diane1 month agoDianeLovely friends....here we are again on another Tuesday. It's a joy and a blessing in my life to be a part of this sacred community. I've had a rough couple of days with a lot of negative self-talk and gloom and doom thoughts about.....everything! Lots of cleansing tears though and once again I am reminded of the gift it is to be able to cry. It can be so healing and I am grateful that I am an easy crier! So today in our beloved gratitude lounge, I am grateful for the gift of tears. ...Lovely friends….here we are again on another Tuesday. It’s a joy and a blessing in my life to be a part of this sacred community. I’ve had a rough couple of days with a lot of negative self-talk and gloom and doom thoughts about…..everything! Lots of cleansing tears though and once again I am reminded of the gift it is to be able to cry. It can be so healing and I am grateful that I am an easy crier! So today in our beloved gratitude lounge, I am grateful for the gift of tears. ~Be well dear friends and know that you are held by the Divine with immeasurable love ♥ Read More3 Reply Palm1 month agoPalm❤️ 2 Reply Anna1 month agoAnnaThank you, dear Diane, for remjnding us the immeasurable divine love. Sometimes I forget it. And you’re right, tears increase relief and inner freedom. 3 Reply Sylvie1 month agoSylvieDear friends, on this our common prayer day initiated by our dear Ursula, I.d like to join you here again. I.ve missed you all a lot, dear Anna, dear Pilgrim, dear grateful sea, dear Ose, dear Michele, dear Mary,dear Diane.. but I have to say, I was so scared that we would loose Ursula, that I couldn’t join for a while. My personal life has been difficult, but Gabi and Awinchen are in good shape and I’m very happy about that. So I would like to pray for Ursula , for all of us here and for al...Dear friends, on this our common prayer day initiated by our dear Ursula, I.d like to join you here again. I.ve missed you all a lot, dear Anna, dear Pilgrim, dear grateful sea, dear Ose, dear Michele, dear Mary,dear Diane.. but I have to say, I was so scared that we would loose Ursula, that I couldn’t join for a while. My personal life has been difficult, but Gabi and Awinchen are in good shape and I’m very happy about that. So I would like to pray for Ursula , for all of us here and for all in need of help. With lots of love from Sylvie ,Awinchen and Gabi 💖 Read More4 Reply grateful sea1 month agograteful seaDear Sylvie, I feel joy(!) to see your message, to feel your presence here with us. Through time and space we are connected, our hearts' lights, all of us, our dear Ursula too, then as now and in the future. As we all are, I too am relieved to hear that Gabi and Awinchen are doing well. But I am very sorry to hear of your recent difficulties and I hope they will ease. A bow (Namaste) and a blessing, dear friend ~ May the longtime sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light with...Dear Sylvie, I feel joy(!) to see your message, to feel your presence here with us. Through time and space we are connected, our hearts’ lights, all of us, our dear Ursula too, then as now and in the future. As we all are, I too am relieved to hear that Gabi and Awinchen are doing well. But I am very sorry to hear of your recent difficulties and I hope they will ease. A bow (Namaste) and a blessing, dear friend ~ May the longtime sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you guide your way on. Read More1 Reply Ose1 month agoOseDear Sylvie, heartfelt greetings to you from me also. I was so happy to see you here again. You have been in my prayers often, and I was wondering how you, Awinchen and Gabi were doing. So good to hear that all is for the better by now. I feel sorry for your difficult time you had. Keeping you, Gabi and Awinchen in my prayers. Have a lovely day all together. 2 Reply Sylvie1 month agoSylvieDear Ose, thank you a lot for your kind words. I sometimes suffer ,when things have been very hard for a long time, of very hard fear that comes from often nearly dying as a baby and young girl and being left alone. Sometimes when you write of what you are going through , I feel that we are at a similar place there. I felt this time lots of support from friends and I take a medicine and thank God its getting better now. And very deep feelings move, a whole “soul play“ is happening and I s...Dear Ose, thank you a lot for your kind words. I sometimes suffer ,when things have been very hard for a long time, of very hard fear that comes from often nearly dying as a baby and young girl and being left alone. Sometimes when you write of what you are going through , I feel that we are at a similar place there. I felt this time lots of support from friends and I take a medicine and thank God its getting better now. And very deep feelings move, a whole “soul play“ is happening and I stand there in a deep bow to the soul recovering. I wish you a quiet and peaceful night. Love send your way, my second home. Sylvie Read More0 Reply Palm1 month agoPalmDear Sylvie, as our friends have said, it is a gift to have you here with us. Like Anna, I feel relief! I still remember you acknowledging Ursula’s hurt, it was so wise… I am glad Gabi and Awinchen are doing well, and I hope your difficulties get lessened. Take care now dear friend 3 Reply Sylvie1 month agoSylvieDear Palm, thank you for your kind answer ❤ Ursula was the person who brought me to be an active member in the gratitude lounge. She once asked, some years ago, whether there are other German speakers here. I d been a silent reader already for 2 years, but was shy to write. Her question and support were a wake up call for me. That made her for me always a special friend. And her brave and honest struggle, combined with a deep faith and sometimes a lightheartedness, I loved her for all of that...Dear Palm, thank you for your kind answer ❤ Ursula was the person who brought me to be an active member in the gratitude lounge. She once asked, some years ago, whether there are other German speakers here. I d been a silent reader already for 2 years, but was shy to write. Her question and support were a wake up call for me. That made her for me always a special friend. And her brave and honest struggle, combined with a deep faith and sometimes a lightheartedness, I loved her for all of that. Thank you for your caring and yesI will take good care of me now and you please do the same 🌈💖 Read More2 Reply Pilgrim1 month agoPilgrimOh, dearest Sylvie! How my heart soars to find you here this morning, and to know that your Awinchen and Gabi are doing well. How often I have thought of you and sent a prayer! I am sorry to hear of difficulty in your personal life, my friend. and hope for light and resolution in that regard. We do all miss our Ursula, and find our way through in our own ways, yet still with hearts united. Many, many blessings to you from the depths of my heart. And a hug for Awinchen from across the pond! 4 Reply Sylvie1 month agoSylvieDearest Pilgrim, I.m so glad to 'hear' your voice and feel your caring. Ive often thought about you too, how are your hands now ? I think in my life there was so much worry,in this last year, 3 or 4 time more work than it was healthy, then big stress with my landlords at work, where I felt really hurt and not appreciated, that broke my heart. Slowly I find a good path again .... ( if I remember right, you have mentioned Richard Rohr here, his book "Falling upward" I'm reading now already for th...Dearest Pilgrim, I.m so glad to ‘hear’ your voice and feel your caring. Ive often thought about you too, how are your hands now ? I think in my life there was so much worry,in this last year, 3 or 4 time more work than it was healthy, then big stress with my landlords at work, where I felt really hurt and not appreciated, that broke my heart. Slowly I find a good path again …. ( if I remember right, you have mentioned Richard Rohr here, his book “Falling upward” I’m reading now already for the second time) A big hug to you and love and light across the big pond, 💖💖💖 Read More2 Reply Pilgrim1 month agoPilgrimDear Sylvie, Richard Rohr is one of the wise and good souls. I am glad you are finding companionship in his writing. I pray that some of the stress and hurt of the last year is easing. I hold you in prayer, my dear friend. 1 Reply Anna1 month agoAnnaOh dear dear Sylvie, You can not imagine my happjness when I saw your icon, uour dear Awinchen…and norw, after reading your words, I am sorry for your difficult times, but lso happy for Gabi and Awinchen. Dear friend, so close to my country….I join you and all other sweet souls here, thinking of Ursula, and offering a prayr for everyone, for the grace of gratitude, joy, patience, good spirit, good health, or easy access to good care. Feel embraced Liebe Sylvie. 2 Reply Sylvie1 month agoSylvieAh dearest Anna, its so beautiful to see your icon and sense your closeness 💖 countrywise and soulwise. I.ve missed you all so much and was often here with my thoughts. I hope you are doing well and how is your dad ?
