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Gratefulness
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As a person who quite naively but intentionally built thorny protective walls for much of her life, I’ve been pruning. So my ‘habit of mind’ is two-fold: First has been to establish the practice of not building those prickly walls anymore. Second is the ongoing process of trimming a lifetime’s thorny vine collection as an effort not only to see the beauty of nature but to allow some ingress.
The majesty of yesterday’s sunrise. In times of uncertainty, we are grateful for what we know to be true. One of these being the fact that the sun does rise every new day. ☀️
At first take, I find myself trying to think of sudden death stories, tragic stories I’ve read of, or heard about where someone died too young or of drug overdose or alcohol abuse. I think those stories inspire us to treasure life, and I am sure many in this Lounge will have good ones. I look forward to reading them when I check back later today!
In my reading earlier this morning, while not a story, this offering by Mike Martin seems to be my current life-treasuring inspiration:...
In my reading earlier this morning, while not a story, this offering by Mike Martin seems to be my current life-treasuring inspiration:
“If we only see the harvest as a time to be grateful, we miss the opportunity to be grateful for rest, planting, and caring.”
Great Fullness of Life = Gratefulness for Life? I can contribute by tending the garden where I am planted and doing it completely present and to the best of my ability.
I threw a couple of handfuls of wildflower seeds against the fenceline about six weeks ago. Now they are heartily blooming among the tomato plants and a rogue pineapple. The insect house looks like it has had some visitors, too. September begins the growing cycle in southeastern Florida.
I’d love to see the world become a No Judgment Zone.
I agree! For the past several months I no longer read the news when I awaken. I do not watch/listen to it on TV. I notice that just as soon as my husband starts to talk about something that has happened out in the world my anxiety level starts to shoot up and I graciously back away from the conversation. Is my head stuck in the sand? Perhaps. But it is my sandbox and I get to determine who/what plays in it for now. Staying well, safe, and hopeful, my dear friends is a precious prayer. May you...
I agree! For the past several months I no longer read the news when I awaken. I do not watch/listen to it on TV. I notice that just as soon as my husband starts to talk about something that has happened out in the world my anxiety level starts to shoot up and I graciously back away from the conversation. Is my head stuck in the sand? Perhaps. But it is my sandbox and I get to determine who/what plays in it for now. Staying well, safe, and hopeful, my dear friends is a precious prayer. May you all be well.
What a wonderful post, Diana! I enjoyed reading every moment of it. Happy almost-Fall to you and may your spirits continue to rise. xo
When I see something that moves me I run for the camera, Anna. Sometimes it is days later I remember to take a peek. Occasionally, I’ll get a little lost looking at one, like a sunrise, and then the words seem to follow. And here we are! I am so grateful for this outlet because really, where else could I post these kind of thoughts? Namaste, my friend.
Thanks, Diane. I need to start brushing up on at least some conversational Spanish for a trip I’m taking in May- what a great place to start!
Yes! This, exactly! This opening/closing time is something that has always nagged at me but I’ve never successfully framed it into a cohesive thought I could grab ahold of. Many thanks!
“Opening and closing my time with them…initiating connection and closure.” I think I get this, Howie, but can you expound on it, please?
Oh try it, Annie! I just got one of those seed packets from Lowe’s to try it out!
I appreciate what you’ve written here, Mica. For nearly 20 years, I was involved in a cultish movement under the guise of a very ordinary looking small-town street corner church. That was messy, and the leaving, even messier. Those years I most certainly did blindly follow someone else’s teachings, not thinking for myself. I’ve been out of that for about 25 years now and quite honestly, free from its imagined/self-imposed strictures, for about 5 years. I now celebrate freedo...
I appreciate what you’ve written here, Mica. For nearly 20 years, I was involved in a cultish movement under the guise of a very ordinary looking small-town street corner church. That was messy, and the leaving, even messier. Those years I most certainly did blindly follow someone else’s teachings, not thinking for myself. I’ve been out of that for about 25 years now and quite honestly, free from its imagined/self-imposed strictures, for about 5 years. I now celebrate freedom every single day! This is why I love what you wrote, my friend!
Wow, well said. Do you know how sometimes you start reading someone and think ‘here is a person who writes in a way that my heart gets it’? Thanks for keeping up with your posts here, Howie- I appreciate them more than I say.
I never realized the adventure of tossing wildflower seeds and waiting to see what happens! I’ve enjoyed this so much I now have a little bag full of wildflower seeds and some days I take them outside and spread a few in some areas that seem to need a little joy. Thanks, Annie!
Oh Papilio, I love what you wrote here! So many lessons I’ve had lately from my garden and you’ve just added another important layer. Thank you for taking the time and energy to write this!
And some insects are very beneficial to a garden. For example, Ladybugs eat Aphids, Caterpillars, and Mealybugs. That’s very helpful! And ants, bees, beetles, butterflies, flies, moths, and wasps are the insects that share in the pollinating responsibility. But I’m with you, Mica – I don’t enjoy being bugged by bugs!
Thanks, Etta!
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