Sunday musings
The 12-step program talks a lot about the “we” of the program, which refers to the fact that the program works when folks reach out to share and support each other. Those who do not make use of the “we” often do not do well. This neither does nor means that everyone is or needs to be an extrovert. Some of us are more social than others. Personally, I need regular alone time. Yet, too much time with just my own thoughts does not work well for me. Fortunately, I always have access to the thoughts of others. I read; listen to podcasts, Ted Talk and programs on public radio. I also talk with friends via the phone, text and correspond via email. Additionally I have always been a letter writer. All those with whom I connect are part of my we. They support my emotional and spiritual growth.
One of my friends has been daily sharing a gratitude list. The list includes everything from particular relationships with people, to work, food, talents/skills and the willingness to grow. This man takes very little for granted. He does not wait to feel gratitude, but starts with what he knows are blessings. Once he begins, he nearly always begins to feel grateful. There are, of course, days when it would be easy to focus on what is not going well in his corner of the world and in the larger world. One day last week he and some other members of his we were not connecting well. Several practical issues were demanding his attention and money, which stretched the family budget way beyond its limits. Yet, after listing all these concerns in one email he wrote another email with a long gratitude list. Doing this was very centering for him.
I find that it is very helpful for me to do a daily gratitude list. Sometimes I need to stop in the middle of the day to do this again. I may not be feeling very grateful and, if not careful, I will feed negative messages. If I continue to have a difficult time focusing on the positives I may take a moment to read something from one of Brother David Steindl-Rast’s books or listen to his Ted Talk. He focuses a lot on gratitude but is also quick to remind one that there are events such as war for which one is not grateful. Yet, even in war one may have moments of connection with others or some part of Mother Nature, which feed one’s spirit.
I can also call a friend and ask for help/support if I am having a difficult time. One does have to be careful, however, because most of us have someone in our we who can fall into the trap of agreeing with us that all is negative.
I do not find it useful to listen to, read or watch the news for hours and hours every day.
On this Sunday I have a very long list for which I am grateful, not the least of which is the knowledge that I need to practice gratitude.
Written January 21, 2018
The 12-step program talks a lot about the “we” of the program, which refers to the fact that the program works when folks reach out to share and support each other. Those who do not make use of the “we” often do not do well. This neither does nor means that everyone is or needs to be an extrovert. Some of us are more social than others. Personally, I need regular alone time. Yet, too much time with just my own thoughts does not work well for me. Fortunately, I always have access to the thoughts of others. I read; listen to podcasts, Ted Talk and programs on public radio. I also talk with friends via the phone, text and correspond via email. Additionally I have always been a letter writer. All those with whom I connect are part of my we. They support my emotional and spiritual growth.
One of my friends has been daily sharing a gratitude list. The list includes everything from particular relationships with people, to work, food, talents/skills and the willingness to grow. This man takes very little for granted. He does not wait to feel gratitude, but starts with what he knows are blessings. Once he begins, he nearly always begins to feel grateful. There are, of course, days when it would be easy to focus on what is not going well in his corner of the world and in the larger world. One day last week he and some other members of his we were not connecting well. Several practical issues were demanding his attention and money, which stretched the family budget way beyond its limits. Yet, after listing all these concerns in one email he wrote another email with a long gratitude list. Doing this was very centering for him.
I find that it is very helpful for me to do a daily gratitude list. Sometimes I need to stop in the middle of the day to do this again. I may not be feeling very grateful and, if not careful, I will feed negative messages. If I continue to have a difficult time focusing on the positives I may take a moment to read something from one of Brother David Steindl-Rast’s books or listen to his Ted Talk. He focuses a lot on gratitude but is also quick to remind one that there are events such as war for which one is not grateful. Yet, even in war one may have moments of connection with others or some part of Mother Nature, which feed one’s spirit.
I can also call a friend and ask for help/support if I am having a difficult time. One does have to be careful, however, because most of us have someone in our we who can fall into the trap of agreeing with us that all is negative.
I do not find it useful to listen to, read or watch the news for hours and hours every day.
On this Sunday I have a very long list for which I am grateful, not the least of which is the knowledge that I need to practice gratitude.
Written January 21, 2018
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