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Gratefulness
Interesting question. My flat mate has a cat and it a really high-strung Siamese that screams for attention pretty much constantly so I generally don’t feel grateful for its presence! But I’m trying to appreciate it more. I guess I’d say I’m grateful for my elderly aunt’s cat. My aunt is having a tough time at the moment and the cat gives her a lot of comfort.
A hot bath. Bare feet on warm sand. Getting praised for things I did well. Uplifting music. Health and energy. Delicious food arriving on a plate. Sunlight on water.
Today I can look more deeply at the different ways I avoid being alone with myself, the ways I distract myself from just ‘being’ by endlessly ‘doing’.
Some wonderful answers to this question.
For me, it has to be to not let that self-defeating inner critic fill me with doubt and fear and despair. To not let that darn voice go unchallenged
I think maybe my uncle. His behaviour over the years made me withdraw from him, but he’s an old man now and I know he wishes we spoke more often, so I’m gonna be kind and make an effort to call him from time to time.
Had to really think about this one. I think what makes me come alive is newness – new places, new people, new ideas. That and the sea, sunlight falling on surfaces, beauty, the smell of good food cooking and fun!
Sending love and encouragement Aman. May 2020 be a good year for you
Pretty recently I think. I’m pretty good at making people smile and laugh. But the question made me reflect how seldom people just compliment each other and express general admiration. It’s such a good thing to do now and then, just to say stuff like: you know, you’re a great mother to your child. Or: John, you’re a really decent man. Everyone needs to hear these things
It’s a small thing but today I can pick up some rubbish from the little park near my house and bin it
I needed this question today. My body has suffered a lot. I need to start treating it with love. What it’s asking for is rest and an end to the way I’ve been poisoning it with alcohol and cigarettes.
This is such a hard thing to define. I’m not sure I’ve ever really had an answer. But, I remember years ago when I was in my 20’s, I was having a bad time and I found myself sitting in Trafalgar Square in London. It was a rainy morning and I was feeling very low. I sat there looking at the pigeons and the fountains and then out of nowhere a sudden feeling of lightness and peace came over me. It really felt like a kind of external intervention. It’s hard to describe it,...
This is such a hard thing to define. I’m not sure I’ve ever really had an answer. But, I remember years ago when I was in my 20’s, I was having a bad time and I found myself sitting in Trafalgar Square in London. It was a rainy morning and I was feeling very low. I sat there looking at the pigeons and the fountains and then out of nowhere a sudden feeling of lightness and peace came over me. It really felt like a kind of external intervention. It’s hard to describe it, but I remember at the time thinking ‘this is what grace is’.
Also for me a fear of abandonment, which has kept me from relationship for so long.
I am also beginning to explore the ways I can be, and have been selfish at times.
My facilitator at college helps me to feel very calm and grounded, and she does it by being completely present, completely attentive. This is something I try to do as well.
Yes, she is a stunning animal. Demanding! But very loving 🙂
Totally with you here
I second all of that KC 🙂
Love Mary Oliver, her stuff affects me so strongly. Great list.
Haha. Great list
Great! Sounds like a Sufi poem
So true Zoe. I hate littering and it’s a massive problem where I live. Today and yesterday I picked up 1 piece of litter in the park and I’m amazed at how happy it made me. Definitely going to keep doing it 🙂
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