“Gratitude gatherer…”

This is my friend, Kathleen. You can find her over at Be Still and Know. She is the source of our Gratitude Gatherings. Her strength and determination, along with her capacity to be vulnerable and open to receiving is an inspiration.

When we gather and share our stories, it is an opportunity to let down our hair and truly be ourselves. Our individual worlds, for all appearances are neat, tidy, successful. We show up for our various spiritual practices, spending time on our mats and our meditation cushions. We cook, we clean, we work, we care for parents, children, animals, plants, grandchildren. We have monumental insights and times when we forget all that we’ve learned. One thing we agree on—the thought, just the thought, that we have one another…just the idea that there is someone to call on when the going gets rough…is enough. Actually, it’s more than enough…it’s everything.

The theme that seemed to emerge last night was transition…a great sense of “not-knowing.” Some of us are building new homes, some selling homes with no idea of what’s next; some awaiting the birth of a grandchild; some being recharged by a grandchild newly arrived; some leaving jobs; some dreaming of the perfect job. All of us keenly aware of impermanence at our backs.

Our friend, Diana, couldn’t be with us on Friday night. She’s at Sloan- Kettering again and needs our prayers. No problem. Perhaps you’ll join us in sending light and healing thoughts to Diana and her family. It matters…and we thank you.

May All Beings Be Safe From Inner and Outer Harm
May All Beings Be Happy and Peaceful
May All Beings Be Healthy
May All Beings Live With Ease of Well-Being
May All Beings Awaken and Rest in Freedom

And…

May the fruits of our practice benefit all beings and the earth.