I have no need for anyone to follow me. I can role model the interior Principles others have passed on to me which leads to a good path to walk. May others be led to find their Way of seeking & following the Divine, however they conceive that Universal Truth to be.

I’ve been in communal projects where I’ve unconsciously become a judge & jury & sometimes executioner by negative thinking & judgmental words. It quickly eroded any feeling of joy from being involved with the group. Entering projects w/out expectations is the direction I need to take. We’re all doing the best we can.

What gives me a lift & can almost make me giddy, is the joy of seeing the bright fiery glow of sugar maple trees this fall. I’m focusing on beauty in this moment, not projecting into the upcoming barrenness of stark naked trees.

I’m finding when I’m out driving for quick errands, I’m more tolerant on the road; it’s also easy to have expressive smiley eyes at the farmers market.

I’ve had the opportunity to spend a lot of time safely visiting my back alley way neighbors. There is a support system we’ve built for each other. Two of us sing w the 31/2 & 1 1/2 year olds several times a week. We shop for the 80 yr old. We adults talk values & are developing a trust we’ve never needed before. It’s good to belong to a budding community.

I am reminded of two acronyms I was taught 35 years ago; listening to others in a sacred circle: Flee Everything And Run; Face Everything And Recover. Ever so slowly I learned I needed to take action in every phase of my life. When new or old fears crop up I need to write them out & share them with an other. The size of the dragon each fear was diminishes. Breathing deeply comes easier. Grace guides.

My south side of house “piano windows” are now open as it becomes warmer. Through them I hear the morning song of robin, jay bird, cardinal, sparrow & more. I quickly dress for my morning walk to a near by lake. I know from experience, a new avian symphony will begin as soon as I arrive. Ah, anticipation…who will sing today? I know I walk with the gift of wonder in my eyes like the precious 5 year old who still dwells within.

I am reminded of breathing deep down from my diaphragm when I sing with a small folk choir in my
faith community. That experience is on hold ..,thus I need to sing on my own & that’s ok. Deep calm breathing is a start.

I’ve grown in detaching from the worldly turmoil as I can’t change it on my own. Embracing joyful moments as they are given or appear on my path nurtures my spirit. This can lead to deep laughter as well as tears from joy. I am then able to connect with others, like those of you on this Gratitude path to help detoxify the turmoil around us in the planet.

Thank you Manuel. Namaste