Daily Question, April 21 What new perspective did/can I gain today? 64 Reflections Share Click here to cancel reply.Please log in or Create a Profile to post a comment. Notify me when someone replies to my comment via e-mail. Misty1 year agoMistyTry not to take things personally, especially if you’re feeling a bit down. Assume the best about people and their intentions, if you possibly can. 3 Reply Ose1 year agoOseYesterday now is today. So today, feeling unusual happy just for no special reason is a gift, which lightens this day and shines onward. Grateful! 3 Reply Elaine1 year agoElaineCo-facilitating our Friendly Conversation Group for newcomers as I did yesterday is always heartening and broadening. Their varied experiences and openness and curiosity about their new home always educate and inspire me! 3 Reply Malag1 year agoMalagWhen you’re making adjustments try one thing at a time. Going with two at once can be very tricky. That’s what I learnt from yesterday. In general I gain perspective or not: it’s not something I can plan. But I also know that trying out new things (best one at a time!) often leads to a perspective shift for me. 5 Reply RosaD1 year agoRosaDThat I have to value my health and myself – even if it upsets other people. 6 Reply Javier Visionquest1 year agoJavier VisionquestWhat does grief have to teach me? 5 Reply Michele1 year agoMicheleThat the sad, heartache, shock, angry feelings come and go but also that love and gratitude follow. Perspective. Peace and love and hug to you. 3 Reply Javier Visionquest1 year agoJavier Visionquest“I sat with my anger long enough, until she told me her real name was grief” 3 Reply Javier Visionquest1 year agoJavier VisionquestNo one is ever truly lost who we carry within our hearts. I’ve heard grief called “love that survives beyond death” and I think it might have to do with an expansive relationship to the past and those who occupy that space beyond the temporal horizon, those who are gone from our sight still influence who we are and how we experience the here and now. I cannot continue with that surviving love bound up in regret. I’m not sure, but it’s a place within my own heart where I’m ill at peac...No one is ever truly lost who we carry within our hearts. I’ve heard grief called “love that survives beyond death” and I think it might have to do with an expansive relationship to the past and those who occupy that space beyond the temporal horizon, those who are gone from our sight still influence who we are and how we experience the here and now. I cannot continue with that surviving love bound up in regret. I’m not sure, but it’s a place within my own heart where I’m ill at peace. I always appreciate your insights, Michele. Read More3 Reply Holly in Ohio1 year agoHolly in OhioI’m sorry for your loss, Javier, and the sadness and anger… a natural part of grief, but not pleasant to endure. I have been sitting some minutes trying to think of something to say to you that would be comforting, but I know there is not much I can offer except to say you can share here, whatever you feel, and I and your other friends here will listen, and keep you company, and care. 3 Reply Javier Visionquest1 year agoJavier VisionquestThank you, Holly. I’m not sure it’s loss or just a general spiritual malnourishment. I’ve been feeling kind of at odds with just about every community for which I am involved, currently (which means it’s me and not them) and there’s a growing urge to withdraw and reassess. Thank you for the encouragement. 1 Reply Mica1 year agoMicaI spent a long time writing an email about something I wanted to share with a group of people, and I want to spend more time doing this with others. 5 Reply Sara1 year agoSaraEarly this morning I received a call that a very dear and very old friend had just died. Almost immediately, my mind went to guilt that I hadn't been in touch with her for a few months. Yes, I'd thought to call her and then didn't. What good would it do for anyone -- her, me, her devoted caregivers who were calling to tell me -- if I continued to indulge in "it's all about me" guilt. How grateful I am that, almost on the spot, I saw there was another choice:: to feel in my heart the goodness and...Early this morning I received a call that a very dear and very old friend had just died. Almost immediately, my mind went to guilt that I hadn’t been in touch with her for a few months. Yes, I’d thought to call her and then didn’t. What good would it do for anyone — her, me, her devoted caregivers who were calling to tell me — if I continued to indulge in “it’s all about me” guilt. How grateful I am that, almost on the spot, I saw there was another choice:: to feel in my heart the goodness and pleasure and gratitude for the opportunities we’d been given to be of service to others during our long and loving relationship. When I snapped out of the dark of self-incrimination into the light of Love, I was able to acknowledge, from my heart, the two caregivers who’d been devoted to her — to Shirley — for many years. They loved her. I loved her. I trust, wherever Shirley is, she’s smiling, thanking Life for having returned us to Love. Read More9 Reply Holly in Ohio1 year agoHolly in OhioThat is a beautifully loving share, Sara. Thank you. 3 Reply Hot Sauce1 year agoHot SaucePerhaps today, I can live with a new perspective that says that I can live my day-to-day life without having all the answers. 7 Reply Don Jones1 year agoDon JonesIt is always OK to say, “I don’t know”. 4 Reply Don Jones1 year agoDon JonesThere are so many… I used to think that I walked my dog. She walks me. I used to think that meal time was to feed my hunger. It really is a deep time of gratitude for the food (and its sacrifice) to become part of this being. I used to think I tended the garden. It tends me. I used to think my prayers were to God. It is really the time I am cradled by God. And so many more… 8 Reply Mica1 year agoMicaWondeerful, Don Jones – uplifting observations 4 Reply Linda1 year agoLindaI have a weekly beer with a group of friends whom I love dearly. Because I had had a migraine earlier in the day yesterday, I didn’t drink any alcohol, and was pleasantly surprised how clear headed I felt when we got up to leave! Even though I don’t ever drink more than 1, it does affect me. Something to ponder… 6 Reply Butterfly1 year agoButterflyI can’t really say it’s a perspective that I’ve gained today as it’s a realisation that’s developed over time, and that is that love is not something that is mine to give or withhold but is something that I can allow to flow through me. It then feels effortless and I can accept people as they are, warts and all. 8 Reply Mica1 year agoMicaLove flows through you, Butterfly – thank you for this observation – 4 Reply Carol1 year agoCarolBe here NOW 9 Reply Mica1 year agoMica2 books have that title, Carol – 2 books that I know of : ) 3 Reply Carla1 year agoCarlaI have a broader view of how human kind voyeurs into egregious tragedy more than I knew before. Low flying planes & helicopters have hovered overhead for the past few days. I live in the heart of Minneapolis. Many walk with us in our pain while others just gawk. . 8 Reply Toni1 year agoToniMy new perspective I gained today was after getting angry last night over a comment from a relative via text is to deal with it in the moment by asking questions instead of having a delayed reaction that lead to anger and judgement. I will not let the comment seep into my being especially when my relative has no filter and does not share my concerns, convictions and awareness and basically does not care about anything that does not affect her directly. Ignorance is not bliss its ignorance. I ...My new perspective I gained today was after getting angry last night over a comment from a relative via text is to deal with it in the moment by asking questions instead of having a delayed reaction that lead to anger and judgement. I will not let the comment seep into my being especially when my relative has no filter and does not share my concerns, convictions and awareness and basically does not care about anything that does not affect her directly. Ignorance is not bliss its ignorance. I have to remember that and not take comments personally. I thought I learned that lesson. I changed the subject to avoid a disagreement or potential argument. I shrunk back. I too am entitled to my opinion and did not speak up. I judged instead. Speaking the truth in love is something I must take to heart and clear up the misunderstanding before bitterness sets in. Read More6 Reply Mica1 year agoMicaHow true, but at least you didn’t say anything you regret, so maybe you can take comfort in that 🙂 3 Reply Holly in Ohio1 year agoHolly in OhioThat’s very insightful, Toni. It gives me some insight into a difficult relationship I have right now, too. I’ve also been silent, because when I speak, I can feel myself getting pulled off-balance into annoyance and anger. I will try again to find my own peace on the matter, so that I can speak on it with them without getting drawn in. 3 Reply Holly in Ohio1 year agoHolly in OhioThis morning I woke up to a heavy blanket of snow (about four inches) on top of daffodils, apple blossoms, budding currant bushes, and maple leaves. Though not unheard of to get a late snow in this area, it is typical that it is light and burns off in a few hours. This snow will linger, unfortunately, and has me wondering how the local orchards will fair this year, and wondering how to mitigate climate change in the garden. No answers, yet, 5 Reply Butterfly1 year agoButterflyHolly, I understand your concern. Here in England we are having a very dry and warmer-than-usual April with the forecast of a very hot summer. I struggle with the heat so not looking forward to that. As for mitigating climate change in the garden I suggest making your own compost from vegetable, paper and any garden waste, plant a tree if you possibly can and have shrubs that can get their roots down so don’t need watering in dry weather. May your garden bloom and grow 🌳🌺🌻🌼😊 4 Reply Mica1 year agoMicaMe too – I’m not looking fwd to the heat that will come in the summer – and now there’s a prediction of lots of fires, too, so I’m also not looking fwd to smoke 🙁 But things could be a LOT worse – 3 Reply Holly in Ohio1 year agoHolly in OhioThank you, Butterfly. You are a kindred spirit! When I was in Scotland summer before last, we visited many gardens and a few farms. It was terribly dry that year, and so HOT. So unusual for Scotland. I remember looking at my brother in law's garden, dry as dust, and thinking how compost and mulch could help retain moisture, but of course in Scotland, why would anyone expect things to be so dry? Of course, you have slug and snail issues in the U.K! So maybe mulch is not a good idea. Here in Ohi...Thank you, Butterfly. You are a kindred spirit! When I was in Scotland summer before last, we visited many gardens and a few farms. It was terribly dry that year, and so HOT. So unusual for Scotland. I remember looking at my brother in law’s garden, dry as dust, and thinking how compost and mulch could help retain moisture, but of course in Scotland, why would anyone expect things to be so dry? Of course, you have slug and snail issues in the U.K! So maybe mulch is not a good idea. Here in Ohio we can use it, particularly in drier parts of the country, and I use it at the base of my fruit trees and bushes. I do keep two compost piles at home, and at the farm I have a pile of finished compost 15 meters long and almost as tall as me! So when you said compost, I thought, “Oh, I LIKE this Butterfly!!!!” 🙂 Yes, you are truly a kindred spirit. I have three trees to plant that are in pots in my back yard waiting for me to get out there with a shovel. Two are apple trees that were in blossom before this snow, but they have lost all their blossoms to the snow, and you can see their lovely pink petals on the ground. They had only just opened, as had the blossoms on my older apple tree, so I think I will not have apples this year. I have five blueberry bush starts that I brought indoors, since they were not planted yet. It’s mostly the blossoms I worry about. One late snow or heavy frost, and then they don’t get pollinated for the year. I don’t know what I can do about that other than plant a variety of trees. I have one cherry tree and it had it’s blossoms earlier, so I think it will be okay this year. My apple trees are different kinds, but they were all in blossom at the same time. I don’t know. Next time, a garden blanket maybe? Read More3 Reply SK1 year agoSKToday my perspective has been that "quarter shift" to view life from a different angle. I know where my discontent comes from; where the hard truths are that have to be faced; where beauty lies right before my eyes. My perspective has changed because I am changing- external to internal; square liens to spheres, clockwise to counter clockwise. Look up, she said, for there is the vast expanse of your life; look down she said, for there are your roots of roundedness. May you never forget who you ar...Today my perspective has been that “quarter shift” to view life from a different angle. I know where my discontent comes from; where the hard truths are that have to be faced; where beauty lies right before my eyes. My perspective has changed because I am changing- external to internal; square liens to spheres, clockwise to counter clockwise. Look up, she said, for there is the vast expanse of your life; look down she said, for there are your roots of roundedness. May you never forget who you are. Read More4 Reply Mica1 year agoMicaQuarter shift to a different angle – interesting idea, SK. My phone massage person recently led me through a change in perspective that involved a happy color and an unhappy color and a shift to a color what was away from the unhappy color, in the direction of the happy color 🙂 I was impressed by the idea of just turning slightly away from the unhappy state instead of trying to eliminate it altogether – 3 Reply SK1 year agoSKI like the unhappy/happy color idea- what a new visionary scheme that is. I will now look for more color associations. Thanks for opening up my eyes. . 4 Reply Ruth L Eichler1 year agoRuth L EichlerI was brought to tears watching the “Bloom” animation from San Jose University. It reminds me of a story about Erickson, the noted hypnotherapist who once brought an African violet to a woman whose drapes were always drawn. After a time of having sunshine again in her living room and raising more violets, she took extras to her church for other people. What beauty in tender hearts, in flowers, in kindness, in sunshine. 8 Reply DeVonna1 year agoDeVonnaI read through yesterdays answers to the daily question and I was humbled. So many heroic people living ordinary lives under difficult circumstances… Blessings to you all. 7 Reply Carol1 year agoCarolI felt the same way. I so appreciated the vulnerability and strength such sharing showed. 4 Reply sunnypatti1 year agosunnypattiThere’s always something to learn/get new perspective on every day! Today, I need some perspective on getting into the study habit again so that I do well with my CCP course. And I also hope to gain some new perspective on the soil where we’ve built our garden. Some of the plants are doing well, but two have already died. And I got veggies that are native to this area, so who knows. I’m off though, and plan to tend to both of these areas! 7 Reply Holly in Ohio1 year agoHolly in OhioIf I might say, professional soil tests are cheap ($9 for a basic from Penn State Univ.), and worth it. Try the state university nearest you. You wouldn't try to medicate an illness without going to the doctor for a diagnosis, and a soil test is that for a garden. Sometimes the issue can be the soil amendments taking the soil in the wrong direction, so the soil test helps figure that out, and finding out what it needs. Other than that, it almost never hurts to add a lot more quality compost or ...If I might say, professional soil tests are cheap ($9 for a basic from Penn State Univ.), and worth it. Try the state university nearest you. You wouldn’t try to medicate an illness without going to the doctor for a diagnosis, and a soil test is that for a garden. Sometimes the issue can be the soil amendments taking the soil in the wrong direction, so the soil test helps figure that out, and finding out what it needs. Other than that, it almost never hurts to add a lot more quality compost or composted manure. I love hearing that so many people are gardening! It gives me hope. Read More6 Reply sunnypatti1 year agosunnypattiThank you, Holly. Added mushroom compost when I planted everything, along with some organic ferilizer. Everything is doing great! Except the two that died. I’ll test the soil if I find that when I add to the garden others are not thriving. We shall see! It’s just a small garden, so a few casualties are to be expected. I’m just happy there are no pests! 3 Reply Toni1 year agoToniGreat advice Holly! Creating your own compost is the way to go also. Starting now for the next season. I have volunteered at a local organic farm and took a certification course in composting and learned tons! I have to get back to the farm this week! Volunteer season is beginning. There is nothing like working the land and learning first hand from farmers. 5 Reply Holly in Ohio1 year agoHolly in OhioI do compost myself and have been trying to understand the chemistry of it so I can create WEED-FREE compost through something called, "hot composting." I have run (and hosted college students as a class project) to run two "Berkeley composts." I highly recommend learning more about it, if you haven't done it already. Geoff Lawton, a permaculturist, is able to run almost anything through one of his compost piles and have it completely broken down into fine compost in just 18 days. He is widel...I do compost myself and have been trying to understand the chemistry of it so I can create WEED-FREE compost through something called, “hot composting.” I have run (and hosted college students as a class project) to run two “Berkeley composts.” I highly recommend learning more about it, if you haven’t done it already. Geoff Lawton, a permaculturist, is able to run almost anything through one of his compost piles and have it completely broken down into fine compost in just 18 days. He is widely known for having put a recently dead whole sheep into his compost and it was completely compost-i-fied in a couple of weeks! But preventing weeds is why I’m hot composting, now, instead of the typical way, so it is fabulous for organic farms and community gardens that wish to do their own compost. Sorry… I rabbit on when I get into gardening topics! Lol Read More2 Reply Mica1 year agoMicaMy guinea pig poop just sits and sits on top of the plants on my balcony, so I started dissolving them in hot water, but then I read about the cool microbes that are in the fresh poop, so now I just soak it a long time, in a container with a cover that has a lid with little holes, to keep out insects. It smells Dreadful when I stir and use it, but it airs out as soon as I pour it on the plants. 3 Reply 1 2 Next » My Private Gratitude Journal Write an entry in your private gratefulness journal Get Started This site is brought to you by A Network for Grateful Living, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax deductible in the U.S.A. DONATE https://gratefulness.org/content/uploads/2015/03/GX-Gold-Participant-L.png Community Engagement Guidelines Privacy Policy [email protected] Connect with us on Social Media: © 2000 - 2022, A Network for Grateful Living Website by Briteweb