Sunday, February 17, 2013

Gratitude

Most days as I go to bed, in the dark, I go through my routines then review the day past.  I look at what I did or did not do very well and review what I could have done better.  This is like a mental play over the facts of life and internal resolutions. I store in my mind the things that I consider lacking in my participation, my remarks, or my response.  I try to see the good of what often comes my way and see the reason behind what has been.  For instance, an article sent to me by a dear friend who holds a very different view of the world and is contrary to my beliefs. I started to think of why she sent it to me and came to the conclusion that she wanted me to have similar thoughts to hers; and she cares.  How could I get upset?

Our life is full of little and big events that show us the way to growth and also to help us pay attention to the intention behind each action.  Ours and others. I have been focusing for a while to the importance of gratitude.  I wake up each day (so far), take breakfast to my dining room, eat then focus on what I could be grateful about.  And there are plenty of things starting with the fact that I am alive, breathing, creating, writing, moving and reflecting; many things to be immensely grateful for each day.  Not mentioning loving and being loved.

Gratitude I believe is the key to a sense of well being and a feeling of great abundance and peace. I keep a small little book that I was given that has a beige real cork cover and write in it some of the things for which I feel most grateful.  Often it is simply that I am grateful for being alive and sometimes it is for my daughter having called me or a note from my grandchildren, friends or my sister, or snow when we need so much moisture here or my husband who gave me a great shoulder massage that I badly needed.  Life brings us so much joy if we are able to receive it or simply pay attention.  And we do not need to travel to the end of the world to find its rewards.

My husband and I went last week to a park here in the black forest covered with light snow in parts.  We both walked in the quiet of the forest and I observed all kinds of life in the middle of winter down at the ground level.  Besides the carpet of pine needles, there was lichen, little trees making their long journey to the top of the canopy and sometimes paw prints of some animals that dwell there.  I came home with such a good feeling having breathed the outdoor air mingling with the smell of the pine trees above me. The feeling of having been close to the mystery of nature and life.

Was I grateful?  I was elated and the feeling still is with me.  So I try to make room for a bit of gratitude in my days and enjoy the abundant results.  I could focus on what is missing but I choose to focus on what is there in front of me and that is gratitude.

Try it, it will change your outlook on living.   

Copyright 2013 Micheline Brierre


8 comments:

  1. It has been said before, many times and in many ways ... "count your blessings, etc." but you have phrased it in a simple way, your way and not as advice given from a pulpit or to a congregation. And that is what makes it meaningful; it's what you feel. It's your experience. Great,keep writing. Charlie

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  2. Beautiful!!! I so agree with your view point. I too mentally go over all that I am grateful for - not every day but most days. There is so much in my life that makes me grateful! Your being my friend is one of them.
    Susan

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  3. Dearest Micheline,
    When I see you have a blog post I know I am in for a transforming treat!
    During my day filled with a beautiful walk in Monument Park, errands and
    still a long to do list for the dwindling weekend, I take a minute to check emails, (like I expect to find I have won a million dollars and need to respond by a certain time!) As I log on I see your blog post, I breathe deep and relax into your sweet wisdom. Your message helps me slow down and be grateful for the work still ahead on this beautiful sunny afternoon. It reminds me to be grateful for each moment and to stay present. I now appreciate the tasks at hand instead of seeing them as chores and look forward to being with them.
    And that my dear is worth a million dollars to me!!

    Deb Komitor

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  4. yes! so much to be grateful for in every moment. thank you for your sweet reminders.

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  5. I really love your blog!
    Therese Stewart

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  6. Thanks for letting us all know when you update your blog. They're fun to read, you're so philosophical, and your posts make me miss you a lot!

    Hugs to you both,
    Diana

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  7. When we look at what we don't have, what we have mysteriously begins to disappear.

    And when we are grateful for what we have, all of a sudden we have more to be grateful for!

    Thanks for sharing!!!

    XOXO!!

    Gerardo

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  8. Your artist's soul shines in your writing. You impart beauty and wisdom in every thought.
    Nancy Harris

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