When I choose my thoughts, words and gestures with intention, there is a reasonable chance that the receiver will feel, sense, know or buy into what I am saying, When / as my words are not well received, I can at least stay anchored in knowing that I gave it my best effort.

Such a good question. Thank you! 🙏🏻

Set the intention to act more generously

Start now, today 🐌🌱🌺

Start small – there is no beginning too small (Thoreau)

Do it with great love (Mother Theresa)

Commit

Jump in

Relax and enjoy the journey

Catch joy on the fly (Blake)

Stay open to whatever happens / emerges, or not …

Keep a fire 🔥

I am with Pilgrim. I have a sweet memory of my grandfather taking fresh baked cookies out of the oven – oatmeal raisin. My husband makes chocolate chip cookies these days which are delectable and highly addictive. Yum!

Not sure I want to choose! Squirrels for their joyful, seemingly effortless leaping, dogs for their unconditional love and empathy, cats for their cool, reserved, take me on my own terms love, birds for their resilience, whales because they scare the heck out of me on the ocean, and remind me of our fragility and responsibility to all creatures, Mother Earth, ourselves, each other …

Staying grounded and rooted in each moment and whatever it is, asks, offers or brings. As I become distracted and off track, somewhere else, practice returning again and again to be with what is, rather than what I wish it to be …

ES. I will reach out today. Thank you! 🙏🏻🐌🌱

Do no harm. Don’t get too caught in tired old narratives …and when / as I do, practice returning to breath, body, the present moment, the much, much greater all that is …

One breath, step, day at a time.

I too struggle with the notion of paying things forward.. I aspire to be kind, and sometimes feel satisfied that I have done my best and my part. Other times, I am satisfied with finding and expressing kindness towards myself, which I hope will have a positive impact on others. The more I hold up an illusive measure of kindness to attain, the worse I feel. Sometimes a warm smile, a phone call, an email, a letter can be more than enough.

The presence, companionship, guidance, support and love of family, friends and community is key. Also prayer, in the form of reading, writing, drawing, walking, yoga, meditation, listening to music, dancing, singing, connecting with the natural world and animals. Real human or animal presence, companionship, connection, love is key … doing things with and for others can be sweet and meaningful …

Listening. Distilling. Drawing. Writing, I am not sure how or where to best share and express these gifts.

Connecting – with family, friends, community, a good conversation … with nature through walking, hiking, skiing, dance, yoga, cycling … with beauty through music, art, film, shared food … with spirit through reading, writing, drawing, creating … children, laughter, dogs! …

For me grace is a gift that spirit gives me and us unawares, without our asking for it, and completely out of our hands or control. I think of the man who wrote the song Amazing Grace, who somehow found it within himself to stop trading slaves many generations ago.. I imagine grace is much more everyday and less dramatic than that for most of us ….

Inner and outer peace, contentment, joy and love and a solid, strong network of dear ones to actively give, receive, celebrate and share the love with. And out of this, that they all live happy, healthy, meaningful and satisfying lives.

My parents, grandparents a, guardian angel aunt and many, many others on the path have paved the way for me. I try to think of as many of them as I can this time of year, and do the best I can in my imperfect human way …

Monkey mind and lack of grounding, mindfulness, presence, acceptance and being with the present moment as it is. Lack of gratefulness and appreciation as well. As others have said, being caught in the past or future.

Thank you so much for this question, and the many thoughtful reflections. Blessings for many beautiful moments in your day …

Beautiful Verena. I love your approach, to softly experiment with asking for support. I am with you on that quest, and so wish you much dignity, grace and ease as you practice requesting the support you need! Warmly, KC

Thanks Toby. 🌝 KC

Aman, wishing you much love, courage and support as you take brand new breaths and steps on the path to recovery. Know that when / as you find the courage to trust spirit and reach out, you will be held. Warmest wishes, KC