Reflections

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  1. O.Christina

    Gratefulness and an open heart belong together. Br. David stated that gratefulness is not a feeling but rather a state of being. Swinging into gratefulness towards my friends, nature or people who had left my life opens my heart immediately, includes joy and grief in the same time and in a way opens to be in connection with all which is in the very moment. Thank you.

    9 months ago
  2. Robin Ann

    I had a very “Awe” and grateful day with my son. We went on a whale watch in Cape cod. It was perfect, the weather cleared up and it was sunny and many whale sightings. It was also a great one on one connection with him the entire time. My heart is full since quality time w/my children is the best!!

    9 months ago
  3. Don Jones

    I feel that gratefulness cultivates kindness. I don’t mean just being nice to people. I mean that deep seated kindness that can well up for no reason other than the kindness itself. Being kind to each other is a fantastic conduit for connection.

    9 months ago
  4. Barb C

    I find myself thinking of the loving-kindness meditation and how we extend our thoughts from ourselves to loved ones to strangers to someone we’ve had negative feelings about to the entire world.
    I think also of how we are all interconnected within the natural world and the web of commerce and connection that brings coffee to my cup and cinnamon to my oatmeal.
    Early in the pandemic my husband started saying to businesses “Thank you for being open.” People understood why that was something worth noting. He has continued it and people are often almost startled, then they smile and nod and say, “Of course!” (Or the ubiquitous Pacific NW version of thank you, “You bet!”). Today on our Saturday walk to the farmers’ market and other downtown businesses, with each transaction we made eye contact, smiled, and said thank you sincerely. We paused for that moment of human connection beyond the transaction. That always feels warm, and I enjoy the feeling that we brightened that moment for someone else.

    9 months ago
  5. Emmaleah

    Having gratitude for my family allows me to see past their imperfections and our differences. It allows me to connect with them; to love and be thankful for them despite these things.

    9 months ago
  6. luv-1-nutter

    Gratefulness means to connect through yoga.

    9 months ago
  7. Charlie T

    When I am grateful, I am more
    connected to everything.
    It’s the expression of gratefulness
    to others, that binds that connection.
    When I am brave enough to open
    up and share something of myself
    and my circumstance with others,
    that’s when I feel the connection.

    9 months ago
  8. Carol

    Everything in creation is in relationship. Everything is part of the whole-i-ness. Life lives on life. Sacrifice is inevitable. We stand on holy ground. We often fail to see it. Gratefulness is our eye-opener. Agape, Amen.

    9 months ago
  9. Yram

    I just completed facilitating a class for elders to Stand Up and Move More. The gratefulness came when 6 strangers walked in my life and after 4 weeks we were united to work towards a life that is healthier. They enriched me with ideas and an appreciation for the body I have. We will stay connected in ways that are not measured by statistics.

    9 months ago
  10. Nannette

    Gratefullness makes me appreciate those people and animals in my life with joy….joy spreads!!! I cannot imagine my life without those people who are closest to me and my animal family . I am grateful every day for each and every one.

    9 months ago
  11. sunnypatti

    The energy of gratefulness keeps us connected to the energy of the universe, and that’s a feeling I just can’t describe 🤩

    9 months ago
  12. W
    WLS

    Expressing my gratefulness publicly on social media has created many new connections for me. People say “ME TOO!” or “OH! I never thought of it like that.”

    I’ve been hiking and quietly observing something that fills my heart with gratitute … perhaps a snail or a small toad… people walk by and inquire about my focus… I could go on and on…

    9 months ago
  13. Laura

    Gratefulness knocks down boundaries to reveal the underlying connections among people and the natural world.

    9 months ago
  14. Michele

    Gratefulness helps me feel more connected to others by viewing different responses/perspectives on this site. This site connects us all.

    9 months ago
  15. Joseph McCann

    Gratitude, being in the present, acceptance for what is, mindfulness of this miracle and mystery we call life has helped me to connect with my authentic self. This question reminds me of a verse in a song Morning Dew, written by Tim Rose and Bonnie Dobson performed by the Grateful Dead.
    Where have all the people gone my honey,
    Where have all the people gone today.
    There’s no need for you to be worrying about all those people,
    You never see those people anyway.

    Maybe, just maybe I have begun to feel more connected to others today.

    9 months ago
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