Friday, November 9, 2012

Gratitude Moments, Vol. II, November 2012


Photo:  www.innerworkingsresources.com
Occasionally, you have a difficult day.  Or a difficult week.  Sometimes it can stretch into a month or longer.  During such times, it's challenging to recognize the positives and the blessings that abound.  I'm having a week that has been populated with a couple of less-than-pleasant experiences, and in order to avoid dwelling on the negative energies, I decided to dwell in gratitude.  This is the second in my Gratitude Moments series, and as I sit here to begin writing, I have no idea what thoughts will flow from my hands.  Let's take the journey together....

Gratitude Moments

  1. Finding that perfect gift for that perfect someone when you weren't even looking. (I do this throughout the year and squirrel things away for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas/Hanukka.)
  2. Sharing time with someone special where no words are necessary, and the silence is comfortable.
  3. Breathing in crisp, fall morning air, stung slightly by wood smoke and evergreens.
  4. Learning a new word.  This one never fails to delight me!
  5. Creating with my hands. Whether it's writing, painting, sketching, knitting or crocheting, or any other tactile expression, the ability to create with my hands lifts my heart and gives voice to unspoken emotions.
  6. Front porches with porch swings, rocking chairs and gliders.  
  7. Being far from home and hearing the cadence and liquid lazy vowel sounds of my home region.  That region is the southeastern United States.  East Tennessee, to be specific.
  8. Speaking of East Tennessee, my heart always expands in joy when I am in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, absorbing the incredible energies that exist in my beloved mountains.
  9. Sitting next to a river and listening to the music of rushing water.
  10. The scent of Crayons™, before they meddled with the formula recently.  That scent used to be a favorite.  Maybe someday they'll return to the original formula.  
  11. Feeling your Soul sink into that other person with an instant sense of Homecoming.
  12. Walking in a field during morning hours in the slow, heavy heat of a summer day and hearing the world waking up....winds whispering softly, fat bees droning from flower to flower, birds calling forth the sun.
  13. The complex fabric of a large, noisy, loving family.  Myriad aunts, uncles and cousins who know you to the depth of your Soul, and love you unconditionally.
  14. A brand new journal with fresh, empty white pages, waiting to be filled with words, images and the journeys of an agile mind.
  15. Granny Smith apples.  
  16. Climbing into a freshly made bed and reveling the sensation of clean sheets.
  17. Red plum jelly.  This one is a rarity - I seldom find it in grocery stores.
  18. Tying a length of string into a circle and creating shapes from childhood such as Jacob's Ladder, Cat's Cradle, etc.  
  19. Blackberry cobbler made by my Mom.
  20. Waking up naturally, without an alarm clock!
  21. Puttering in the kitchen with that special someone.
  22. Meditation.
  23. Eye sight, both physical and spiritual, to write these thoughts and to recognize them.
I stopped at twenty-three.  This list took exactly 7 minutes to flow from my hands, with each thought springing effortlessly forward.  I didn't know what each new thought would be, yet each one prompted a smile and a lifting of my heart.  Challenges still exist in my life, and the journey of this current week is still a bit of a confused jumble.  What exercising gratitude moments gives me is the opportunity to step above the difficulties that Life hands out on a regular basis.  

I often quote jewels of wisdom from my maternal Grandmother, my Granny Reagan.  She had a very challenging life, stifled in virtually every way imaginable, yet she continued to harbor wisdom and gentle guidance to all of her grandchildren (27 of us).  I remember, very clearly, one specific comment she shared quite often:
"An obstacle is nothing more than a platform to step UP on, gain a more clear view and understanding of your surroundings, and step OFF of, to propel yourself forward."                - Alpha Celestia Nelson Reagan

So, I'm reminding myself of those words of wisdom and recognizing that the current obstacles I'm experiencing are giving me as yet unseen opportunities.  The first step to that realization is recognizing the difference between obstacle and opportunity.  

For those of you who visit me here regularly, take time for Gratitude Moments and see how instantly the process changes your state of mind.  Blessings constantly abound; we just have to be willing to take time to truly see them.  Namaste'.   


30 comments:

  1. Every night, no matter what the day has held, I lay with my eyes closed and start thanking in gratitude for things good and "bad" It's helped me through some pretty rough times, and in those times I usually do it like if I don't it might not be there tomorrow. LOL Thanks for spreading the attitude of gratitude, Dawnie. Both in your blog and every day life. I am thankful/grateful for you.

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    1. Tinker, I do this each night as well, during my meditation hour. It's curious how the exercise truly does smooth out some of the tangles of those immediate moments of strife. They're still there after exercising gratitude, but the jagged edges get filed down to a more manageable level.

      Thank you for always walking next to me along our respective Life Paths, my dear sister. I am thankful/grateful to you as well. Always, and Alien! (NOW.) <3

      - Dawnie

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  2. Dawn this is so uplifting and inspirational. I love the way you just flowed in the moment, not knowing what the next "Gratitude" would be. I resonate with every one of them...and yes, they do bring a smile to your face. Each one lifts you up and triggers a memory of joy or happy times...or a wish you carry in your heart.

    Waking up naturally without an Alarm Clock!...now that is pure gold for those of us who do not want to be jolted into this world. I love the new journal...that anticipation of a peaceful moment where you can just sit and be with your own creativity...unencumbered by the outside world. I could go on and on, but there would be no room for anyone else.

    Your Grandmother sounds like she was such a wise lady. The quote you left us with is Brilliant...she sounded like a jewel in your life...

    This is such a heartfelt post Dawn...leaving us with so many reminders of what we can all be grateful for when life is kicking us in the butt...and leaving us with a smile in our heart....

    Thank you my friend...!


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    1. Raven, my Granny was, indeed, a wise lady. I've had many encourage me to write down all her homilies and lessons, and perhaps someday I will do that very thing in homage to her beautiful spirit. She was one of the strong foundations for me...for all of us kids.

      I am starting a new journal this weekend, as I finished the last page of my current one. I use Artist's Sketch Books that I purchase at Barnes & Noble; they're 8 1/2 x 11 hard bound books with unlined, acid free artist's block paper and I find them ideal as a personal journal.

      Thank you, sweet friend, for visiting & sharing this moment with me. <3

      - Dawn

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  3. So many great points in there, so easy to lose focus and forget how lucky we are everyday.

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    1. Daniel, I agree! Life and the living of it provides so much distraction that we do tend to lose connection and recognition of the myriad blessings. It shouldn't require me having a rough week to jog me into reflection of this nature, but I'm still glad it did today. Namaste' to you.

      - Dawn

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  4. Dawn, your flow of gratitude was so beautiful! I love your writing. There were so many specific moments named. This could only come from the loving soul of one who knows how to be present. Thank you for reminding me of gratitude. Sometimes I forget to say thank you for all my blessings. I let the darkness dominate in my mind and heart. What a blessed relief it is to step back into the light. You, my sweet sister, brought me light today.
    Namaste.

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    1. Leah-my-love, thank you for the clarity you share here. Knowing how to be present - yep, you nailed it. That was what I was attempting with this post. It's challenging, yes? To stop the inexorable flow of negativity and fear that challenging times produce, and to shift focus to what is real, what is blessed, what is tangible, what is to be celebrated. You brought me Light in return with your thoughts, so thank you for being your bright, beautiful self. I love you. <3

      Namaste'.

      - Dawn

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  5. Dawn, on learning new words, I’m so into etymology, and hoping this writerly love will rub off on my daughter, since we do vocabulary words together, and take quizzes all the time. I’m grateful I have a passion for writing, along with some publishing success, and of course dreams of getting at least 3-4 (or more) books on the market. Life is go good.
    This has been a trying week for me too (and for many I know), but I made a conscious decision to work on my gratitude attitude and give thanks for the amazing blue sky today, the brilliant leaves, the freedom I still have at the moment, my family, friends, health… and the list goes on and on and on.
    Have a wonderful weekend, dear friend from across the woods. Hugs and blessings chickadee!

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    1. My sweet Debra, I am sending you encouragement and lots of love and virtual hugs. I think practically everyone I have spoken with this week has been hit a bit harshly with one challenge or another. We can choose to lie down & be overwhelmed, or we can choose to shift our gaze and our heart and see the beauty that surrounds us. I wish you abundant blessings and a beautiful weekend in return, my dear friend. <3

      - Dawni

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  6. I always try to look at the positive things and things to be grateful for rather than focus on the negative. This was an awesome post. Keep your chin up girlie...love & hugs, xoxo

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    1. Mitzi, thank you for the positive wishes and encouragement! No matter the dark spots on the horizon, I rarely dwell in gloom for long. I don't have the patience for it! Life is for living, and I have so much to accomplish. I'm happy you enjoyed this one! Love and hugs in return, honey. <3

      - Dawnie

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  7. There's a little prayer I say every night as I go to sleep and the first thing every morning: "Thank you, God, for this day. I am blessed in every way."

    I call it my gratitude prayer and it keeps me centered in that place.

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    1. Jayne, those moments of gratitude are so important. No matter when, where or how we practice it, gratitude is its own form of blessing. I feel it lifts our energies to a higher plane, and helps us be more open and receptive to more of the same. Thank you for taking time to visit, read & leave your thoughtful comment. :)

      - Dawn

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  8. I really loved reading your list! Sometimes I write one myself, especially when I need a reminder, perhaps during a time of discouragement, to realize how blessed I really am...It definitely helps in maintaining perspective!

    Some moments of gratitude today that I have experienced...

    The joy in my daughter's eyes as they lit up at being surprised at seeing her friends outside the house waiting in a limo for a day of fun...

    the sounds of carefree laughter...

    a warm breeze against my skin after a few very cold days...

    Thanks for the great post...and reminding me to be thankful for the small moments that go all too often unnoticed.

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    1. Jessica, it really is liberating to dwell in gratitude, yes? I always find it to be so. I saw all the wonderful photos of Montana's birthday on your wall today and that was one of my own gratitude moments, seeing all those lovely, happy faces in the midst of celebrating! Thank you for sharing those moments with all of us. :)

      Namaste', dear friend.

      - Dawn

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  9. Thank you, Dawn, for all your thank yous shared here. My eyes and heart focused on the one about the Great Smoky Mountains; my husband and I just returned yesterday from a four-day vacation in the Nantahlas. The view from our cabin included a gorgeous vista of the Smokys and I will be sharing some photos in my next devotion (11/13). Hope you will see it, but not get too homesick . . .
    Also, I'm amazed by your grandmother's quote - wow, what a woman she must have been. She certainly left you and all her grandchildren a legacy of love and wisdom.
    Thanks for this oh, so uplifting blog. Makes me want to write another "thankful" post on my blog, "Moments and Musings."
    Blessings, dear Dawn!

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    1. Martha, I'm actually home these days, living in Knoxville, TN. The comment about being far from home was meant to indicate times that I've been traveling or living elsewhere. Sorry for the confusion on that one! I am so happy for you that you got to have vacation time in the mountains! I had hoped to do that as well, but plans & budget just didn't pan out. I still hope to make it happen, as just getting out of town for a long weekend would feel so good.

      Thank you for your kind words about my dear Granny. Yes, she was a guiding force for all of her grandchildren and I miss her still, after all these years. Sharing her wisdom is my way of keeping her memory alive, so I love it when that wisdom strikes a common chord for so many others.

      Much love to you, sweetheart! I look forward to visiting your blog in return. <3

      - Dawnie

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  10. This is a wonderful post, as you know I write a list of gratitude daily. Sometimes people think I just spout, the truth is a life without gratitude is no life at all. I am immensely grateful for my lessons, easy and hard. To grow we must learn, to learn we must feel some pain. Life is what it is called I think. I love your granny's words.<3

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    1. Jan, yes, indeed, "to grow, we must learn". I was having a discussion about that very thing w/ a friend tonight. Despite some painful experiences in my past, I wouldn't go back and change any of them. They've shaped who I am, and I'm happy with my progress. I'm glad my Granny's words had value for you!

      Namaste',

      - Dawn

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  11. I love gratitude moments... there are times I just stop and mentally count my blessings.

    The best time to count them is when we think it is the most difficult. I have had a rough week as well but it is turning around slowly :)

    Great post!!!

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    1. Launna, what a strong point you make - that a valuable moment to count our blessings is when we're going through more challenging circumstances. I agree with you. It takes discipline, character and faith to shift our thoughts, reactions and perceptions mid-stream. I find that the more I do it, the easier and more automatic that shifting of perceptions becomes. And eventually it becomes second nature, and self-perpetuating.

      Blessings to you, sweet girl, during your own challenges. I'm sending you love, prayer and healing to lift you up. You are not alone. <3

      - Dawn

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  12. These are wonderful sentiments, Dawnie. I think that dwelling on the positives in any negative situation can only be helpful.

    It may not solve the problems, but it applies a balm to our soul that will allow us to work on the problems free of the actual negative emotions around them.

    That can only help.

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    1. Dave, my sincere apologies - for some odd reason, I never received alerts that you had posted a comment on this post! I agree w/ you about dwelling in positives/gratitude. It immediately lifts the heart and prompts a smile for me when I engage in this exercise.

      Much love to you, my friend!

      - Dawnie

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  13. What beautiful moments to reflect on Dawn. I created a post similar to this a while back and I re-read it when I feel myself slipping into a funk. As I was reading yours, I could see you doing the very things you were writing about and it made me smile. I pray that the things that have challenged you lately will solve themselves and drop away from you as soon as possible. You are loved and blessed dear sister! Hugs!

    http://lyricfire.typepad.com/lyric-fire/2012/11/why-ride-roller-coasters-when-writing-gives-you-the-same-thrills-novel-update.html

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    1. Tameka, I offer you the same apology I gave Dave - I didn't receive an email alert that you had replied to this post. I am cringing at how much time has gone by without my seeing your comment and replying.

      I love that we both adopt a similar exercise to gain a clear perspective and higher ground from the daily challenges we all receive.

      Blessings and love to you in return, sister-mine. <3

      - Dawnie

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  14. I spent some time today adding to my gratitude list. Good reminder.

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    1. Galen, I owe you the same apology I offered to Dave and Tameka. I am sorry for the extended delay in responding to your comment on this post. Blogger didn't give me my regular email alerts for the comments from each of you.

      Thank you for visiting, and I'm glad you engage in this wonderful practice. It really does make a difference in our perspective. :)

      - Dawn

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  15. Loved the gratitude moments..
    My favorite..
    1.Sitting next to a river and listening to the music of rushing water.. Have done that a lot.. nothing beats that
    2. Learning a new word. A great pleasure always.
    3. Sharing time with someone special where no words are necessary, and the silence is comfortable.
    4. Climbing into a freshly made bed and reveling the sensation of clean sheets. I have spent a lot of my time in hostels. I know the pleasure that clean sheets can bring to you. :)
    5. Blackberry cobbler made by my Mom. Anything made by my Mom is always welcome. I miss that as I live away from her.
    6.Waking up naturally, without an alarm clock! I hate alarm clocks!


    An obstacle is nothing more than a platform to step UP on..
    Beautiful thought by Granny..
    I agree 100%..

    Take care Dawnie..
    NAMASTE.. :)


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    1. Deepak, this concept is one I turn to when life becomes a bit more onerous than usual. It never fails to clear some of the heaviness that may be visiting. I smiled at each one of the points you highlighted, and I especially enjoyed that you appreciated my Granny's wisdom. She was a very special Light and I miss her, always. I think it would tickle her that her wisdom is so appreciated, many years after she left us.

      Take care in return, my friend.

      Namaste'! :)

      - Dawnie

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