Grateful living is a choice I cultivate much like the parable regarding planting one’s garden. It’s a daily awareness of blessings, sharing my fruits with others and tuning into and listening for the Whisper of guidance.

My interpretation of life has changed drastically in the past 4 or 5 years. I realized that to stop and listen to others is such a gift and it also teaches me that we are all on an individual journey together.
I’m also reminded to have compassion for myself and people at this moment in their lives

This is a great gift.

Just by being there.
Walking in natu,re, on the trail or off, in a forest, among my friends – the trees, by the river or ocean, and listening to their sound, whether it is soft and flowing, or loud and crashing, noticing the movement of its flow or current, listening to the birds and their sweet ‘hellos’ – ALL nature inspires me to grow still – to listen – to observe – to stand in awe and smile. GRATITUDE follows naturally.

I believe in One Loving God with many names.
I believe that being honest with myself and others is necessary to coexist.
I believe that our Planet is crying out in angst.
I believe that prayer and meditation are essential to our well being.
I believe writing, walking, prayer and meditation are important to my being every day.

Lovely…thank you ?

I’m waiting on lots of things right now. A new job. Healing from a prescribed medication. To stop and say Wow, I am grateful. I felt an inner shift toward lightness and joy.

Bed and bow
Up and down
Wind and leaves
Clouds and raine
Peace be and be

I love this practice of brief bits of words that allow me to express myself, or create a scene. I’ve really enjoyed reading others words and art in all its forms. Thank you everyone. ?

Thank you Kristi and Gratefulness Staff and Community… I’m grateful for breath, trees. Grandson, my children, Alicia and Richard..my husband Steve, the mountains that surround me. Grateful to God, Jesus, my beloved friend and brother. ????

Pond gurgles outside my window
Weed-wacker wacks the edge of the long green grass
sunlight shines on the fresh red maple leaves
dawn has arrived
work calls

xo

Morning mist
rises from the river
dancing in the atmosphere

I enjoy my drive along the rivers edge.. the sunlight dances on the water and the mist from the river rises to meet the day.

Highway driving
Clouds thickening
Climate changing- earth blessings.

Kristin… I really felt this ?

In a whirlwind of my own
passenger of life
Dogwoods bloom

Love the ritual suggestions. ?

Thank you for posting. Mary Oliver speaks to me, as does Pat Schneider in the Patience of Ordinary Things in your Poetry section. Very grateful for this site and for all of you who lovingly contribute your thoughts, inspirations, questions and images.

I just now opened this particular practice. The unfinished business piece was heavy on my heart at first. However, as I read it more deeply and let it sink in I realized the discernment that brother David was speaking about. It’s something I need to allow it to happen. I love his reflection on letting go and being grateful for the blessings that are already present. Thank you.

And me too Pilgrim.

So true Sheila ? this is a big gift to you and the world ??

Dusty, I, too will turn 60 this year and initially have been excited about this, and hope to return to this place. Happy 60th!

Kristin… I really felt this ?