lessons in gratitude

We usually define gratitude as how we appreciate things. Yet, when my teacher Suzuki spoke of gratitude, he said, ‘Gratitude is this moment.’ Gratitude is not just appreciation; it is part & parcel  of our being here. We don’t need to pluck gratittude off the shelf & draw it close. It is already close……Lewis Richmond

when we are wrapped up in our own little bubble, we really have little idea how to be humble……only when we taste a moment outside of ourselves do we relinquish our judgment, allowing a little sweetness to hold us….this is gratitude’s lovely gift…

The goal of all experience is to remove whatever might keep us from being whole. The simplest & deepest way to make who we are at one with the world is through the kinship of gratitude. To be grateful means giving thanks for the things that surmount our pride & stubbornness. Sometimes just giving thanks for the mystery of it all brings everything & everyone closer. Openly give thanks, even if you’re not sure what for, & feel the plentitude of all that is living brush up against your heart……Mark Nepo

when we ease up our tight hold on a few illusions, the light gets in…a deep sigh….

a beautiful powerlessness which lies at the heart of a paradox in giving & receiving….choices, yes….outcome, no….

pray your mercy shine….

When you make the two one,

when you make the inner as outer

& the outer as inner…then

shall you enter the kingdom..

Jesus Christ