A Grateful Heart
Sometimes it is good for me to return to the simple practice of pausing, feeling my feet on the ground, taking a moment to breathe in and out, bringing the energy of oxygen more fully into my body, and making a short gratitude list.
-Growing daylight. It is early February, the days are getting longer, and the hope of spring doesn’t seem as far away as it did a month ago. I love the early mornings and the coming daylight. It means I woke up to a fresh day of opportunity. “I am here.” Such simple grace and gratitude in those three words.
-Our puppy Gracie and her happy demeanor. She’s not quite five months old and she has the puppy energy you would expect. She also has this happy energy others have noted. Whether rolling around playfully in the snow or greeting someone with tail wagging and excitement, she elicits comments like “She sure is a happy dog.” I love hearing that, and I love the reminder she provides me to “bring the good energy.”
-Fresh days for fresh starts after a tough day. Tuesday was a work day that brought frustration-new and recurring. Emotions elevated for me and some tears flowed too. Cleansing tears. Everything worked out, perspective returned, and I give myself credit for moving though it and moving on. (Better than my usual previous approach of rehashing my mistakes or reactions or grievances.) Supportive conversations, hugs, and the emotional release were all grace-given gifts that helped me have a much better day yesterday.
-The Mary Oliver quote above is from Insight Timer, the meditation app I use. I am back on track with regular practice as part of my morning routine. It only takes a few minutes to arrive at grounded presence, which is where true gratefulness resides. Where my grateful heart brims fully.
Cultivating a grateful heart is like cultivating a garden. It takes time, help from Nature, weeding, fertilizing. Cultivating a grateful heart takes intentional action, and reaps such beautiful and enduring benefits. Onward!
