Appreciation / Gratitude

Using appreciation or gratitude of the smallest thing, from the moment right now to the things that went well today, helps us stay present and less anxious about the future.

Count Your Blessings, William Henry Dawson

It’s strange but true that common things,
     Like sunshine, rain and snow,
The happy little bird that sings,
     The fragrant flowers that grow;
The meals with which we’re blessed each day,
     The sweet sleep of the night,
The friends who ever with us stay,
     The shadows and the light,
The tender care of mother dear,
     The kiss of loving wife,
The baby prattle that we hear –    
     The best things in our life –
Are not loved by us half so well
     As things that seem more rare.
For instance some old, broken bell,
     Or stone picked up somewhere;
An ancient coin with unknown date,
     An arrow head of stone,
Or piece of broken armor plate
     Worn by some one unknown.
Exclusive ownership we crave,
     No matter what the prize –
True from the cradle to the grave,
     Of foolish and of wise.
Oh, selfish mortal, don’t you know
     ’Twould better be, by far,
If you would train your love to grow
     Among the things that are
Just common to your daily life?
     You’ve blessings by the score,
Then why engage in constant strife
     For more, and more, and more?

Guide: Noelle Lim

Image credit: Nils, Unsplash

Gratitude. Make The Leap.

Closing 2021 with a gratitude mindfulness practice, bringing to mind whom we’re grateful for, and what we’re grateful for this year and right this moment. Happy 2022, and make the leap, folks!

Crossing, Jericho Brown (extract)

We work, start on one side of the day

Like a planet’s only sun, our eyes straight

Until the flame sinks. The flame sinks.

Thank God I’m different.

I’ve figured and counted.

I’m not crossing

To cross back.

I’m set

On something vast.

It reaches

Long as the sea.

I’m more than a conqueror, bigger

Than bravery.

I don’t march.

I’m the one who leaps.

Guide: Noelle Lim

Duration: 19 minutes

Image credit: Sarah Shull, Unsplash