I am most grateful for my athletic skills. I am not grateful for these things because I think it sets me apart, but my gratitude comes from being able to participate in sports that allow me to use the body I have in a natural environment. These activities bring me joy and I can enjoy them with others.

Intend to give unconditionally.

I am going to refer to a quote attributed to Jon Kabat-Zinn. He says that as long as we are breathing there is far more right with us than there is wrong. Since our breath is something we rarely give much thought to (think about when you are sleeping) then just letting my self be human and whole is a contribution that the world needs. We are all making contributions to the world and creation just by being who we are at any given moment.

I can let go of so much business expectation and be grateful for what I do have. I can still move forward in a meaningful direction without so much striving and craving for things to get there faster or be different.

Simply, the light that illuminates the room by flipping a switch, the coffee brewing in the kitchen, the small picture of my dogs next to the sink.

I will be most effective at teaching others by first knowing myself. As my own personal knowing and awareness grows I can teach by being an example of peace.

I am having a difficult time dealing with some uncertainty around my work. Basically, I want things to be resolved, easy, and be seen my way. The “great fullness” is knowing that things will work out and I will find a solution that is acceptable to all.

I can include all people I come in contact by simply being aware that like me they face daily challenges. Every person has been born, will age, experience illness, and eventually our bodies will die. There will be many causes for joy and sorrow in between. In my view none of us are separate from the whole. So I can try to remember that all people are whole and complete.

This morning I wrote in my gratitude journal “I am grateful for my fingernails. “ I thought this was funny, but like so many things we find mundane or give little thought, my fingernails are pretty magical. They can help me scratch and itch, scrape stuck food off a plate, their constant growth is a sign that I am alive to meet this day. If we stop to look there is magical phenomena everywhere and it is very close to each of us.

Today I am struggling with finding purpose. I am not really sure how to answer this question right now. For me this question needs to be explored.

As best as I am able I can lend my ear and simply listen. Offering help, finding solutions, fixing are all natural tendencies and do have a place. But, most often I remind myself that just like me others want to be heard and believed. This is a skill that I am cultivating. My culture is rooted in thinking and problem solving. I have a yearning to develop an open listening heart.

As I reflect back to a time when I was depressed and feeling desperate I realized two things. One, is that I was sustained when others did there best to help. Two, I recall that I always had a light within even though it was not always seen by me. I simply believed it was there and it was enough. I now try to hold the light within for others and myself….with others our combined light is that much brighter.

Deb, I do not know the details of your situation, but obviously you are suffering. You mentioned that your emotions “will ebb and flow, shift, and change.” That is true no matter our circumstances….I pray that you may come to know peace. Peace, Love really, is within you and it will eventually shine through.

Thanks, Jeff! I appreciate you willingness to reach out. All is well.

Thanks, Francine! I was thinking about cooking today. So maybe I try the vegan Chile. I have never heard of Beyond Burgers, but I will look for them. Have a great day!

Francine, I am not a vegan, but respect your choice. Even though I do not eat much meat, I really do not know how to cook vegetarian or vegan dishes that are flavorful and have good protein. If you care to please share some sources that may help. Thank you!