Gratitude

Note: Writings about our spirit, soul, essence, true self, higher self, core and heart refer to that within us beyond our physical mind & body that we each know. The fact that we are open, reading, hearing and always learning is indication that we are already awake & aware to that innate true self within us. Our awareness is a journey of endless learning. Often these writings are on stuff we already know, 'hear all the time', or maybe something new or from a new perspective; regardless, be open & let them serve as reminders of our own innate knowing & wisdom. Quotes, texts and links sometimes used as references do not indicate any affiliation with particular group, person, concept, religion or belief system. It simply refers to the universal essence that is pure and undifferentiated beneath us all.

"Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses". - Alphonse Karr

 

"Gratitude is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all others". - Marcus Tullius Cicero

"Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet". - Thich Nhat Hanh

"God gave you a gift of 86 400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?" - William Arthur Ward

"If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough". - Meister Eckhart Tolle

"The journey of discovery is not in finding new landscapes but in finding new eyes". -anon

Hi all,

I have often been asked by many friends when we catch up, "so what exciting adventures have you got lined up for your life lately?" In replying to that question, I wonder, "so what constitutes excitement?"  It is true, the last 4-5 years has been quite a physical adventure. Many travels far and wide, connections with new beautiful people far and near, exploring into adventure sports & activities, music, dancing, to name a few. All in line with my journey of healing and growing for my soul within. Sometimes we need to follow that journey of the heart to heal, learn and grow; as such Life takes us to various people, places and events.Then at other times, we may get to a point of quietness, stillness, consolidation and what may appear as 'nothing much out of the ordinary', which is okay too. Almost like soil preparing itself for the next round of growth. There is a Zen saying, "When nothing is special, then everything is". 

Everything is special because when everything changes on the inside, our external world changes and every single moment becomes an adventure and beauty of its own. Everything grand and minute is seen, perceived, experienced and appreciated to its full purity through all our senses. So now adventure doesn't have to be trekking mountains, abseiling, rock climbing, running long distances, tribal drumming, tribal dancing, falling in love, sky diving, walking through deserts, swimming large oceans, seeking holy lands, ashrams and gurus, etc. Although those adventures and more are still fun and invigorating, there is just as much fun, joy and vigour in simply being right here fully in the moment. When our spirit is full and restored it is simply watching the bees pollinating flowers, the birds feeding, the beauty of the different sunrises every day, tending the vegetable patch, weeding the garden, walking the dog, cooking a wholesome meal, savouring the taste of a wholesome home cooked meal, soaking in the spring sunshine, basking in a healthy living body, giving and receiving love, hugs, smiles and laughter. Even storms, turbulence, challenges and undesirable people and events which may entail pain, sorrows, discomfort, anxiety or grief are honoured and embraced as they are 'the other side of the coin'. This too is part of our privilege as a living human being that is able to experience, feel, cry, learn, grow and heal. Only when we awake and are restored to that true spirit within us that perfection and enlightenment is truly just in this very present moment, just as it is. Light follows darkness, day follows night, cold and hot, seasons change, Life flows. So too we flow with it when we live true to our higher self, our spirit and soul.

When we flow with Life, and flow as Life, we can't help but simply be filled with Gratitude. Gratitude is natural when we live from our hearts and not from our limited thinking brain. Some of us live stuck in our own cycles of pain, suffering, lack, dissatisfaction, misery and fear when we choose to live from the limited preconditioned brain full of issues, disempowering thought patterns and outlook. We are stuck in vicious cycles of being victimised by what we perceive is what Life and others 'inflict' upon us. We place the source and reason for our happiness on other people, events, beliefs, ideas and places. Then when other people, events, circumstances and places do not live up to our expectations, turn out otherwise or changes over time, we fall to pieces, complain, whinge, get angry and even start to wage a major battle to try and hurt the other perceived enemy. When we know our true self, and are awake and restored to our spirit, we are already full and whole within, we do not need any other to fulfill any lack and do not depend on anything external for happiness, joy and fulfillment. A loving partner, good friends and family are simply a blessing and a sharing. Goals, dreams and ambitions simply give us directions and roles. Positive and beautiful events are enjoyed and appreciated as much as lows, downs, pains and tribulations are honoured with peace, for we trust  a higher purpose. It is often through our greatest trials & tribulations that our spirit embarks on its greatest growth. At all times we can't help but be grateful, for we are only a small part of a bigger whole. Yet the wholeness manifests through us. 

How often do we forget, caught up in our raw, physical, day to day rat race in this physical materialistic existence, to stay true and in touch with our spirit? That we miss out so much in the perfection and beauty of every single moment, every single living being from the smallest worm to the giant whale, the visual beauty and colours of nature, the smell and taste of the air, the warmth of love and touch, and the energy of good health, good food and good fun. Let us slow down, smell the roses, experience fully through all our senses, just being and not always doing, for in the quietness and stillness of the present moment is us in true spirit, with full gratitude.

Love & Light
Patsie