Being
Grateful for the Preciousness of Each Minute
I have recently been reminded how extremely precious each
minute of our life is. Three summers ago I had surgery on my knee
I had to rest during the healing process. First was an inner struggle
"because I had so much to do". After a few days I finally
surrendered to a different pace and became so grateful for the
time and ability to walk. The trip to the kitchen to open the
windows and greet the new day took on a new meaning. I had some
inconvenience of using crutches to get there, so of course my
pace was slower and more deliberate. I had time to see and experience
things as I made my way to the window. I would stand on one leg
and breathe deeply and look at the houses, trees and flowers and
be grateful to be alive and healing.
Everything was more vivid because I was moving slower and taking
time to experience things. Eventually my mind slowed down. I even
took naps during the day. I had so many creative images coming
to me. I remembered " Be still and hear God." so I started
asking questions that I wanted answers to, and to my delight,
I was hearing answers.
"Be still and know God." In the stillness I was also
able to reconnect to my home, my dog Max, the friends who came
to love and support me, and to myself. I found that my having
to recover from knee surgery was definitely a good thing for me
to experience.
"In all things there is a message." It became clear
to me that the message was to stop and rest I had been getting
messages about this for months and had not listened. In the quiet
that resulted from resting I was sourced with the ideas and insights.
I used some of my down time to develop the Master course work,
the Master requirements, and also write some new chapters for
the Reiki book.
"Every cloud has a Silver lining." I am among the many
people when something happens that is bad, have usually been so
upset that I fail to recognize that when one door closes another
one opens. We can find the light in every circumstance if we are
willing to look.
One of my favorite memories is discovering that I could sit on
the edge of the bathtub, swing my self around so that I could
prop my leg that was in the brace on the toilet for support and
have a shower. Sure someone had to hold the showerhead and wash
me but, I had a shower and it was marvelous. I realized how much
I had taken a shower for granted. In those moments to feel the
water running over my body, to take the time to savor the moment.
To feel clean is heaven.
The people who touched my life during that time have left lasting
impressions on me. Their willingness to help me get wet, to dress
me, to bring me a flower from the field. All have intertwined
into my heart. I am filled with gratitude.
When Princess Diana and Mother Theresa died so close together,
I understood a message to us all in their deaths. Here were two
women, both who had reached out to others in their lives. One
was young, one was old. One had experienced wealth and the other
took a vow of poverty. Both knew the power of Love. Both acted
with their hearts. Diana struggled in her personal life to find
happiness, we are lead to believe that she did find that at the
end of her life. She was a princess that now she will be remembered
as the Queen of Hearts. Mother Theresa found happiness in helping
others and encouraging others to help.. Her happiness was seeing
and experiencing Jesus in everyone and everything. She will be
remembered as the Eternal Mother. We are grateful for what they
did for mankind and for showing us the power of Love.
I wonder if people will expect two new people to step into their
shoes and carry on their work? I personally do not feel that this
is the answer. I believe that there is a space that they have
created and have given us. This is the time for all of us to respond
by carrying the torch of love. We must take our place beside each
other, stand and be counted as people who say yes to life, as
they once did. They have showed us the way. Now it is time for
us to ask: ourselves "What would love do now?" and then
respond into life by doing what we are called to do..
When we realize how precious each minute of our lives are, life
will also ask us to live as if each minute counted. Last night
I sat for some time and asked myself. "Would I be happy with
what I had accomplished if I were to die right now. Would I feel
that I did my best and had lived the message, the vision I believe
so deeply in? Would I have forgiven all for what I considered
unjust in my life? Would I have asked for forgiveness for all
those I treated unfair? What part of my life would feel incomplete?
Would I have some regrets?. In the silence of the moments after
asking the questions, I heard the answers. Yes, I have done the
best I knew how, I am happy with what I have accomplished but,
there are things that I want to clear up, to acknowledge while
there is still time, I still have work to do. I choose to take
the time to do it now. To live as each moment counted.
My experiences this summer put me in touch with gratitude. How
I in my haste to accomplish things even if they are for peace
in the world, I have forgotten to be grateful. To take the time
to sit down and everyday and write down at least five things that
I am grateful for this day. I know that when I have done this
before my life seemed to change as it put me in touch with the
beautiful things that have touched my life in the Now moment of
this day!
I have made a commitment to write in my journal of gratitude
everyday. I am not waiting until the new year to start. I am starting
now. I choose to be in touch with the many things that bless my
life everyday. I encourage you to do the same. You can have a
beautiful journal to write in or a loose leaf binder, what ever
fits your needs. Make a definite date with yourself, a time to
sit down and review your day, then write at least five things
that you are thankful for. You may be amazed that you have more,
I have found my list growing as I get in touch with all the little
things that bless my day. And as I read them, I come in contact
with gratitude, a deep and profound sense that all is right in
my world and how many times I am touched by kindness, beauty and
love.
Today I wrote in my journal;
I am grateful for the good morning kiss on my cheek at work..
I am grateful for experiencing color and feeling it's effects
in my being.
I am grateful for the gentle fall breeze blowing through the
trees.
I am grateful to have been loved by my Mother.
I am grateful for the space of safety to cry.
I am grateful for friends who never give up on me.
I am grateful for you.
Have you ever experienced a moment when you said I am so grateful.
I would love to hear what you are grateful for, and also if you
are keeping a gratitude journal
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