“There is this awareness and this little spark that is positive -- and it's completely independent of all of the things that we think are so important, that we think we need to have to get value. It's independent of achievement, or not achievement, or of being awake or asleep, or even being alive or dead. This supposed world actually radiates from that. This is the way things happen, and in the light of that, action becomes action from that, action that includes everything and does everything that's needed. And lacking that, or being ignorant of it, we just make terrible messes -- as individuals, as nations, and as cultures.” ~ Eleanor Rosch
We are in a moment of profound disruption and possibility. What is dying is a world of me first, bigger is better, things not people have value. We are being confronted with the fact that we are not in control, life is hard and we can’t survive this alone.
Gratitude Exercises - Journaling
The first step - look at your day.
Name a few things/people/circumstances you typically take for granted (food to eat, bed to sleep in, your health, the health and wellbeing of those you love).
Name a few things/people/circumstances that inspire a deep sense of wonder, amazement, awe, or beauty in you.
The second step - review your day
Recognize all of the times when YOU encountered moments of grace, express your gratitude for them (an affirming interaction with another, a beautiful piece of music, a moment in and with nature).
Name a few really hard things you have experienced that have broken you open, awakened you, slowed you down, helped you realize something important, or encouraged you to grow. Be specific.
Third Step - chose your focus
Focus in on one aspect of your experiences or your reflection on those experiences that you think is important either for your learning or personal growth. Take a deeper look at that event, thought, action, or emotion and write about that insight.