Thanksgiving

This year, Thanksgiving occurs in Canada on October 10th.

So, to celebrate, I encourage you to say a deeply felt, genuine 'Thank You' to at least one person, on each of the next 3 days.  Look them in the eye, and say 'Thank You' in a way that you can be sure they've heard you and that you mean it.   Elaborate on why you are grateful, if it feels right.

Notice how the person receiving the thanks responds; how their face brightens, posture straightens, and attitude lightens.  Like a flower responding to sunshine, people blossom when they feel acknowledged and appreciated.

Those 2 simple words, spoken from the heart, can make such a positive difference to both the person hearing them and the person speaking them.

Happy Thanksgiving!

To hear for the 1st time

Sometimes we don't really appreciate what we've got until it's gone.  Then, there are stories that touch us and remind us of how fortunate we are.  This news article and video showed up today and I had to share it.  Watching the young woman in the video respond to hearing sound (and her own voice) for the first time is beautiful.   It's a modern day miracle.  I'm inspired by her and by the many, many people who had a hand in creating the technology that gave her a sense most of us take for granted. 


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/30/sara-churman-deaf-woman-_n_989220.html?ir=Canada

What are some of the things you love to listen to?  Laughter, music, birdsong, the sound of children playing, or rain gently falling.  Perhaps it's kind words from a friend or your name said with love.  For a moment, imagine not being able to hear those things.  What would that be like?  Then, find yourself really listening, and appreciate that you can.

Gratitude

If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.
Meister Eckhart

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/meister_eckhart.html 

Say It Now

If you love someone – tell them. Say it now.

If someone is important to you – tell them. Say it now.

Waiting to express kind or loving words until a later date could mean that person never hears them, and you will always regret not having said them when you had the chance.

Life is too short to delay telling someone you love them. Say it now. 

And, while we're on the subject.  If you are waiting for the right time to 'do that thing you've always wanted to do' – Do it now.

Connect with Nature

Living in Vancouver, I take nature for granted.   Even though I'm surrounded by both ocean and mountains, I've been so wrapped up in everyday stuff, I think I'd forgotten how beautiful the place I live is.

Yesterday, I spent the morning in an ocean kayak.  It was peaceful being so close to the water, with the warm September sun on my shoulders, feeling the salt water spray on my skin and inhaling the fresh, clean ocean air.  I felt rejuvenated and connected; like I had come home.  And then I began to wonder why the ocean has such a powerful pull.   Why does the ocean have such a strong affect on us? It's more than the salt water, the fresh air, the rhythm of its movement, or its immensity.

Nature has this way of putting things in perspective. When I'm standing at the ocean (or floating on it), I realize my significance and insignificance at the same time. It feels like I'm part of something bigger, and yet, I also realize that life will continue with or without me. That's humbling, and yet, strangely liberating.

Where is your favourite place in nature? Where do you feel the strongest connection with the earth, with nature? Is it the ocean, the mountains, the desert, the prairies, the forests?

I encourage you to spend some time close to (or in) nature. If you live in a city, find a park or a garden and just sit, close your eyes and listen, breathe deeply, then open your eyes and really look at what is around you. Begin to notice the birds, the bugs, the plants, the air and how it all fits together. Then notice how you fit in with it, too. You do. We each do. Connect with nature some how and notice how it makes you feel to be part of something so spectacular and beautiful.

Unplug

A few weeks ago, my husband and I went on a mini-holiday. It was so lovely to get away from the city.  We spent a few days in a beautiful location, with perfect, sunny weather and we added a little something extra.

We decided to 'unplug' while we were away. No phone or TV, not even internet (though the place had WIFI).

I was amazed at how easy and liberating it was to unplug. It wasn't until Monday, when I went on-line, that I really noticed how much I had enjoyed being free.

What did we do to stay busy? We read books, and went for a hike, swam in the pool, sipped fine wines, had some terrific conversations, explored a farmer's market, ate delicious meals, met interesting people, and most importantly we both really relaxed.

I encourage you to unplug this weekend. Whether it's for an hour, a day or the whole weekend. Notice how it feels to unplug from the immediacy of email and smart phones.  Give yourself a break from instant and repetitive news for one day.  Notice the time you have then, to do other things – or maybe do absolutely nothing. Liberating, isn't it?

With the amazing technology we have access to today, we need to remember that it's still our choice when we use it.

It is still a beautiful world

This inspiring poem was sent to me this morning and I wanted to share it with you.  Each time I read it, I discover something new that moves and comforts me.  Even though it was written many years ago, like other classics, the message is never out of date.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Copyright 1952