Beauty and power of the wliderness

This  past weekend I spent time  in the wilderness with 6  other women.   In the evening we stayed in cabins, but during the day we  swam, hiked  and shared our stories and souls over campfires and wonderful meals.  The pristine wilderness and beauty of  this immense lake inspires awe and reverence - reverence  for the immensity,  power,  and timelessness  of it all.  These waves have been crashing on this shore for eons.  These waves have deposited millions of pebbles of all shapes, sizes and textures  over more years than I can possibly imagine.  Such immense power!  I am grateful for this stark beauty of my region, for the immense power of our lake and so thankful to have friends to share  the wonderful experience. 

In gratitude for it all,
Marg

The joy of caneoing

Yesterday a friend and I went for a short canoe excursion on a local lake.  I have always loved caneoing, but have only paddled a canoe a few times in my life.  I am so grateful for the wonderful day: sunny skies, warm temperatures and fantastic scenery.  I loved it all!  From the choppy, rough  waters in the middle of the lake  to the calm waters filled with reeds as we approached the shore.   The rhythm of the paddle dipping and gliding through the water. The sight and sounds of birds soaring in the sky and calling to each other.  Loons rushing up from the water as we approached them.  A fresh and at times brisk breeze kept me cool.  The peace and tranquillity of nature and deep blue waters is hard to describe.  In the moment, feeling so alive, energized and exhilarated.  It doesn't get much better than this.

In gratitude for the wonders of nature  and for the friend who generously shared  his  canoe.
Marg

Could haves, should haves, would haves

I have come to realize that these 3 words or phrases (could'ves, should'ves, would'ves) are what blocks feelings of gratitude and ultimately my happiness.  I have spent so much of my life in my  head, analyzing what I or someone else should have done differently; thinking about what could have happened if I had done something differently;  thinking about what would or could happen in the future if I did this or that.  All this head stuff takes me away from the enjoyment of the  present moment. All this thinking about the past, and how it could have been different means I am passing a judgement, and a negative one, about the reality of the past.  And what does this serve?  It sows seeds of discontent, of wishing things were otherwise...certainly not seeds of gratitude.   As Byron Katie in "Loving What Is"  states: "These are only thoughts that we impose onto reality".  She later goes on to state: "And I came to embrace  reality with all my  heart.  I love the world, without any conditions."

My teacher once said that every experience we have had, was necessary to bring us to where we are now, in the present moment. My task now is to stop the  "could'ves, should'ves, would'ves", to get out of my head and appreciate the present moment  and the rich experience that it  brings - to celebrate the joyous moments and to accept and allow the unfolding of those that may be painful.  This is reality - nothing I can do in my head can change what has transpired...all it can do is make me miserable and ungrateful for all that is.

In gratitude for the beauty of the present moment,
Marg

Man without limbs

 “If you can't get a miracle, become one.”Nick Vujicic "Life Without limits"

 Today I thought I would share an amazing , inspirational video with you.  This man  was born with no legs or arms.  He suffered tremendous ridicule when he was young.  The "man without limbs" shows a zest and passion for life, overcoming all obstacles.  He is grateful for his life, he has a purpose, he radiates joy.  His eyes speak volumes.  Makes me think to be grateful for my body - with all its parts intact.  Poor vision  and all the assorted lumps and bumps,  seem insignificant after viewing this video.  It is a bit long, but well worth it. Nick embodies living in the moment, embracing  life  with all its challenges.  Certainly no "poor me" or victim mentality here!  A lesson we could all learn - and our lives would be so much richer.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/da5QQSxSsGY

In gratitude for my body that  works tirelessly day after day,
Marg

Such stillness and joy

True freedom is born in Silence.  MKI

What a lovely retreat - 7 days of   palpable stillness juxtaposed with  much laughter and joy.  This retreat was a true gift for me.  Morning yoga, afternoon tai chi, meetings throughout the day and quiet walks on the beautiful grounds.  No cooking, no cleaning,  no worries and no responsibilities.   Time to share the self with like-minded people.  Time to nurture the self. Time to sink into that deep, deep stillness.

I feel immense gratitude to the teachers who have organized this retreat, who guided us to play in the silence.  When you are truly silent, the constant chatter  and clutter of the mind dissipates.  No stories, no regrets, no 'why me" - just silence and being.  From that space, awareness and gratitude  grows.  Peace and joy blossom in that stillness.

In gratitude for the gifts of peace, joy, laughter and freedom

Marg