Gratitude for LIFE…

Summer is such a great time for reflection. It seems that people we meet are simply smiling more. I see families enjoying whatever activity they are engaged in or individuals enjoying the lack of having to BE somewhere and DOING something. I’ve written about gratitude in the past for a variety of reasons. I know that for myself, when I remember to always infuse gratitude into every day and into ANY life situation…life simply feels better. We know that science confirms how gratitude feeds our human body cells with very healthful chemicals.

This morning I saw the “third” Great Blue Heron in one week right by our boat. The first two times were in our wetlands with my grandchildren.  Today was such a peaceful morning after some busy times. I was doing yoga trying to fit it in before an appointment, but there I  stood watching the heron for the longest time saying THANK YOU…for being in my life. Heron sightings  symbolize and or signify something within us wanting to emerge. In looking up the spiritual meaning, I found these three words that spoke to me~there are more if you look them up!

Stillness ~ Opportunities ~  Harmony

All three of these words brought up some thoughts and decisions for me that have been surfacing for some very complicated reasons. I was in awe reflecting on how this morning’s visit helped me solidify some of the  thoughts that I’ve been pondering all week. I am in awe once again…a messenger in three’s.

Herons are known for their elegance. They walk with confidence and when they fly, their graceful wings inspire awe. Today I was able to watch him fly twice across our lake and his third flight was away from our lake in the direction of the wetlands. Beautiful.  When I stay in awe and wonder of LIFE, I can easily relax in knowing life is orchestrated for our greater good in ways we may never totally understand. Time with the heron produced gratitude for the chance to reflect on PEOPLE in my life…coming and going in grace.

People are always incredibly important to us and I’ve been so blessed this summer to BE with people I haven’t seen for years, family far and wide, close friends, and people we simply LOVED encountering by chance. The opportunity to experience being with people from such  WIDE and DIVERSE life styles, beliefs and backgrounds is a whole EXERCISE in gratitude! We learn something from each and every individual.

These experiences brought back a memory of a “chance” meeting of a man I met in Florida now almost 3 years ago.  I picked up his book Just Be this week, (not by coincidence ). Reading his words again that are so meaningful lifted my soul in interesting ways. His helpful daily words are so simply written!

He is one of the most spiritual men I’ve had the privilege to sit and talk with for so many hours one day, none of us knew where the day went!  Doug and I sat in a beautiful tropical garden having the most fascinating conversation I’ll never forget. He is not a well known  person, but his words sit deeply inside of me and have stayed with me over time! He published his book in the same year that Marj and I published The Light GAP: God’s Amazing Presence. 

I realized incredible feelings of gratitude going out to SO MANY wonderful every day people living their lives just like mine.

I am quoting these particular words today because I realize that they say EXACTLY what sits in my heart to bring me peace every single day no matter what is going on in my life and no matter who I am with! I am showing the book again because if you ever need simple but life changing words on a daily basis, I highly recommend his book. 

I AM NOT

“We are not our name. Of course we must call ourselves something, but this is merely a name tag. We are not our body. We are not our thoughts or feelings. We are not defined by our material possessions or the size of our bank account.

We are not our status in society or accomplishments. We are not what we do for a living. It does not matter where we live. We are not our dreams, aspirations or beliefs.

We are not defined by any relationship including friends and family. We are not our story. The past has nothing to do with us now, and the future is an illusion occurring in our minds right now. 

So what are we? We are spirit. We are energy. We are intelligence. We are divine. We are love. We are human. We simply are…

There really isn’t any language to describe what we are. The possibilities are endless. This is comforting to know because it removes the pressure to be anything.” ~ Addison Palmore Pg. 5 in Just Be

Gardening usually brings me joy while keeping my flowers and plants happy. I’ve had some very busy days and family activities at my home, during travels, visiting others, and simply BEING with a friend. It’s always amazing that it is the PEOPLE that can make such a difference in how we feel about life!

People are the garden of my life as a human. ~Terry Larkin