See my reply below…

Thank you so much Elaine. The practice is meant to help you touch the places where your appreciation of connection lives and may want to be acknowledged and/or nurtured. Be gentle with yourself, please, and go at your own pace.

Thank you Neil. What beautiful self-awareness you share! Recognizing that we all basically need the same things but in very different forms and ways helps us relate with curiosity and compassion rather than our opinions! A much better formula for forging strong and interesting relationships!

Thanks for your insightful reflection Jody. I love what you say about a relationship not being a leaky faucet or squeaky hinge. How wonderful to recognize that asking, listening and responding takes the guesswork and missed opportunities out of showing people our care! And then it does not force others in our lives to be chronically leaky or squeaky to try to get their needs met – a fixer’s dream!

Thank you so much Carol. It is true that so much that is “real” comes alive in relationship. I am not sure if I agree that there is absolutely nothing more real, but there is certainly almost no place where whatever is real is more revealed to us than in relationship!! And relationship is also where we are honored to glimpse the “real” in another. What a gift to have the container of relationships to learn to love, and continue to grow in love.

Deep thanks to you Mike for sharing that “Wake Up Grateful” is proving to be a powerful guide for you. I am so deeply gratified and grateful to know this. It means the world to me. It was my heartfelt hope that this would be true, and you have given me the gift that my hope has been fulfilled in you. Blessings upon blessings you have given me and I return them to you.

Josita – Your reflection is so very beautiful to read. Thank you for sharing the “call” that you hear and heed which guides you toward possibility. Listening to this call of your guiding principles, and seeking what is there for you to find is a sure way toward joy and peace. Thank you for being on this gratefulness journey with us.

PKR – Thanks for sharing the blessings of this shift in perspective for you! I love it too…seeing my responsibilities as privileges helps me so much to find needed perspective whenever I am feeling beleaguered by life. Enjoy! And thanks for being part of our community. .

Thank you Victoria Rose for sharing this gorgeous reflection. Your commitment to deepening your capacity for this inner and outer listening will bring you many gifts and much peace. It is something from which we can all find needed inspiration.

Beautiful Liz. I am so glad you have found this practice inspiring. And all power to you in seeing the people and circumstances in your life as your teachers. You will never stop growing and deepening with this perspective…Thanks for your inspiration.

Thanks Mary Jane – Your heart will indeed guide you and never abandon you on your journey. Thank you for your steadfastness on the path, and for listening deeply to your inner guidance. Namaste.

Ose – What a beautiful and very kind comment. Thank you deeply for your commitment to gratefulness practice for so long, and for continually learning and absorbing the teachings. It is so meaningful to have you with us. Thank you from my heart.

Dear Cintia – In so many ways, as long as we are alive, times are always profoundly uncertain. Everything is surprise, according to Br David. Finding trust and ease in surrendering to the truth of uncertainty is among our greatest freedoms. And it is a moment to moment practice. You might find benefit in this piece I wrote: https://gratefulness.org/blog/deepening-comfort-with-uncertainty/ Sending love and care into your days…

This is such an uplifting reflection Mandy! How fabulous that you already feel the gifts of the Stop. Look. Go. practice and that it reverberates through you! I hope that you continue to show gratefulness to the world by reaching out to dear friends in this spirit. Thank you.

Karleen – How wonderful that you have already received the benefit of the practices. May they serve you in ever-surprising and increasingly meaningful ways!

Thank YOU Miguelie for your presence in and contributions to our community. It is very meaningful to have your generous spirit here.

I must respond to your quote by saying that our stand is one of non-violence, not force. The values of Grateful Living commit us to pursuing all avenues that point us toward greater understanding, respect, compassion, interconnectedness, and unity. We believe that Love has the power to transform civilization. This is the sustainable path from conflict to peace that will leave us with hearts and eyes wide open, not blinded by “an eye for an eye” actions.

Indeed. It is so good to be able to tune into the love that is streaming toward us from so many sources at all times. Thank YOU Patjos.

Oh Dusty Su – Your words are so eloquent and meaningful. I am sorry for what you have been through, but you clearly do not lack for capacity for reflection and resilience. Thank you for your blessing on the book. Knowing that my words offer comfort is great encouragement to carry on. Many blessings to you, friend. Stay close. Stay safe.