I Feel Grateful and Blessed

I dealt with numerous challenges yesterday… and this morning. Today, those challenges have been resolving one after another.

just after 8 a.m., I looked out of my dining room window and saw sunlight streaming through the trees. At the same time this was happening, it was raining. The sunlight made the raindrops sparkle. My photo doesn’t do this experience justice, but I hope, along with my words, it gives you a sense of the beauty I witnessed.

Then I got into my car so I could drive to the bakery to pick up the pumpkin pies I’m taking to a Thanksgiving dinner later in the day. As I drove out of the driveway, the first thing I saw was a beautiful rainbow. I parked the car so that I could take another photograph. The rainbow was already beginning to fade when I snapped the picture, but I think the photo offers a glimpse of its beauty. Fifteen seconds later, the rainbow was gone.

I feel grateful and blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Grateful: A Love Song to the World

Every year at this time, Nimo Patel shares his Empty Hands Music video Grateful. This year he included this message with it:

Grateful for the many blessings that are always surrounding us. When our cup of gratitude overflows, we are inspired to want to give more to others: thanks + giving. May we all continue to be grateful and giving, and have a blessed and safe holiday season!

In that spirit, I am passing his message and video on to you.

I Am Grateful

I have been feeling grateful for so many things.

I am grateful that I will soon be at Amma’s ashram in India.

I am grateful for the many people that make that annual trip possible.

Vince, the co-therapist, who has supported me in taking this important journey each year since 1990.
Marla, Kat, Rick, Lee, Dave and Jovanna, who supported me in the same way when they were co-therapists in one of my groups.
Twenty-seven years of clients who have seen my trip as modeling self-care and following my passion.
My friend Ramana who takes care of my house while I am gone.

I am grateful that I will soon be with my children, Sreejit and Chaitanya, and my son-in-law Akshay.

I am grateful that I will be at the ashram when Amma comes back from her European and U.S. tour.

I am grateful that I will soon be with my ashram friends.

I am grateful for my spiritual community, friends and neighbors in Seattle.

I am grateful that my ex-husband, Al, and I have become friends again.

I am grateful that I have reconnected with members of my family of origin.

I am grateful that I have reconnected with friends from my past.

I am grateful that I have Amma to love, inspire and guide me.

I am grateful that my children have grown up to be talented, wise adults who are loved by many.

I am grateful for my psychotherapy clients commitment to their healing.

I am grateful that I have developed a passion for photography.

I am grateful that I have developed a passion for nature, and for taking care of nature.