gratitude even when the going gets tough
I return to the topic of gratitude partly because it feels like a “should.” Rafts of psychological research tell me that it’s good for my body, mind, and soul to practice gratitude. Once I slide into gratitude, I remember that it’s also a joy! Noticing the things for...
seeds of gratitude
Practicing gratitude has many benefits. It has proven to be the most reliable method of increasing happiness. It reduces anxiety and depression. It lowers blood pressure and reduces the symptoms of illness. We feel better when we are practicing gratitude. How can we...
Gratitude 2020
it’s gratitude month 2020. I asked myself how I would “do gratitude” differently this year. Then I realized that gratitude is humble and simple. It’s a reminder of the good things in life. I flourish because of support given me by other beings and the planet itself....
Patience and action in chronic illness
Having a chronic or serious illness puts you, like it or not, on a journey of balance and discernment. When is it best to rest? When is it better to take action? What are the differences between healthy surrender and unhealthy collapse? Because there is no cure, we...
surfing despair
When I lived in North Carolina, a tree fell on my neighbor’s car. He was upset and hired some guys to cut down many of the tall pine trees on his property. I cowered in the house that day, cringing at the sound of the chainsaws and the toppling trees. It felt like...
balancing patience and courage in these times
This month I am considering two kind promises: “I will surrender patiently” and “I will advocate courageously.” They work together to help me discern a middle way. Once again, I return to the serenity prayer: “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot...
How can our lives become more compassionate and creative – even in the face of difficulty? How can we connect with the sacred? I explore these questions by practicing the kind promises, report my wrangling here and in my monthly newsletter.
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