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Gratefulness
What teaches me about fragility is the continual rising and falling of phenomenon. There is life followed by death and in between we experience sadness and happiness, triumph and disaster. Simply being able to embrace this reality is resilience. We can look for resilience underneath all of life’s vicissitudes and rest in our basic goodness and wholeness.
As one who strived for his own inner peace and offered a path of peacefulness to others.
I try to show my respect to others by allowing them to find their own path toward peace. It is natural and well intended to try and “fix” someone, but this is different than helping someone get in touch with their own inner resources that lead to self-acceptance and wisdom. Of course there are times when we need to physically hold another’s hand and help them along, but respecting another’s unique human experience creates a mutual connection.
I can actively (knowingly being present) celebrate that I have a heart, mind, body and honor this fact. I can also bring these precious gifts out into the world in a way that serves myself and others.
Although I am still learning this lesson, challenges have taught me to stand committed to the process of being present to challenges. Some challenges I like and embrace full heartedly and others, even though I may have naively chosen them, or may not like everything about them, still require my commitment. Being present to these less than desired challenges has taught me to have a stance of acceptance , and to lean into my challenges with dignity.
I often see homeless people and have the reaction that there is little I can do to help them. I really do not know what led them to their current situation, but I believe much of it is not their fault. I will often take the time to say hello to a homeless person, look them in eye, have a brief conversation and give them some money. Their need for support is a gift that allows me to make a connection with another human being. They may be lonely or frightened by their life condition. The gi...
I often see homeless people and have the reaction that there is little I can do to help them. I really do not know what led them to their current situation, but I believe much of it is not their fault. I will often take the time to say hello to a homeless person, look them in eye, have a brief conversation and give them some money. Their need for support is a gift that allows me to make a connection with another human being. They may be lonely or frightened by their life condition. The gift offered by another human is the gift to know that they have their own struggles and triumphs….I have mine to…there is a common thread that ties our shared experience together.
The gift of solitude has taught me new ways of knowing and being with myself. I have learned that there is a constant inner dialogue. As it is true for most of us, often that dialogue is a bit aggressive in nature…telling me I should do something to be worthy or reminding me to be fearful. These are really just stories that get recycled and they do not need to be believed. These are gifts and learning moments because I gain perspective that point towards the completeness and wholeness of be...
The gift of solitude has taught me new ways of knowing and being with myself. I have learned that there is a constant inner dialogue. As it is true for most of us, often that dialogue is a bit aggressive in nature…telling me I should do something to be worthy or reminding me to be fearful. These are really just stories that get recycled and they do not need to be believed. These are gifts and learning moments because I gain perspective that point towards the completeness and wholeness of being necessary to the fabric of life. From solitude comes the feeling of belonging and sharing with others something larger than myself. I am more than the regrets, fears, triumphs, and joyful moments. I learn that I am necessary, authentic and unique….I contain a basic goodness that cannot be separated from me or the whole of creation.
What makes me most happy is connecting with another person in a small group setting. I know it when the conversation consists of holding space for one another and allowing things to unfold. I just think I feel more at home in this type of situation. I know it because I can feel my heart open to situation.
I might embody a deeply held value today by speaking and acting truth to a particular value. If I choose to cultivate love and compassion it would be wise to abide those values within myself. By doing this inner work I can then take these values to the world that I encounter today.
If I were to say that there has been one thing that has anchored my life it is the light of life within. No matter how stormy life becomes I have always been able to find the light within that keeps me going. At times this light is not always shining brightly, but at times it is. I believe this light was there before I was born and will continue after this body dies.
It helps me to remember to be grateful for all of my moments. I do not have to like all of my moments, but when I am aware of my not liking something it tends to lift the fog in that moment.
All of it, but I am really working at finding and treasuring my heart of hearts. That part of my body that gives life, feels joy, and can also break all at the same time. As long it is needed my heart will be there for me and part of me.
The ways I am supported by others is countless. My co-workers are doing their jobs while I am on vacation, the hotel staff is keeping the place I am staying clean and comfortable, the technology I am using to post this has to be up to date and useable…somebody is making sure that happens. Parents are raising children to the best of their ability, teachers are teaching. I am simply being supported by the the entire global community because just like me everyone is doing their best in thi...
The ways I am supported by others is countless. My co-workers are doing their jobs while I am on vacation, the hotel staff is keeping the place I am staying clean and comfortable, the technology I am using to post this has to be up to date and useable…somebody is making sure that happens. Parents are raising children to the best of their ability, teachers are teaching. I am simply being supported by the the entire global community because just like me everyone is doing their best in this very moment.
Oh! And of course my wife of 26 years!
I feel most alive when I am at a peaceful place in life.
If I saw everything as an opportunity my life would change by recognizing the newness of each moment. If I truly saw everything as an opportunity I would be more at peace with life’s continual change.
Yes, work for me to has been stressful lately and filled with more uncertainty that I care for, but I know things work out in this arena. I believe that your five-year-old daughter is not being random by referring to you as the best daddy ever….there is truly no one else but you that is her daddy…and although it may not feel like it to you, what you offer as her father is the best.
Ann, I really like the simplicity of your statement. The balance of being alone and with others is something I also need.
Antoinette, wishing you recovery, healing and wholeness.
Michele, I like your morning saying “something wonderful will happen”, this is a good reminder to me to be on the lookout for the wonderful things that happen everyday. I often miss them because they can seem mundane, but really there are many wonderful things that will happen today,
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We are delighted to announce the release of Kristi Nelson’s book Wake Up Grateful
