56. Gratitude

In a pandemic world right now where people are feeling so much unknown, pain, fear, angst and strong opinions, I believe it can be way more useful to go for a walk outside than continue to read the stance of other people. So here I will not discuss the current situation, my opinions, feelings etc. right now. No, this time is not easy for me either but I have been trying every day to ground deeper into myself through a daily meditation, workout, healthy cooking, yoga, reading and long walk. Through these practices, one word keeps coming up and that is: GRATITUDE.

I deeply believe every single one of us has at least something for which to be grateful. We all also have an energy to us that we bring into the world. In the Skydive City Florida chapter (I had a broken wrist, living in a dilapidated trailer, no electricity, no water, no bathroom, no car, minimal food, a failing relationship, health issues, no job, no friends around, no idea what to do next but still obsessed with the skydiving dream), someone there taught me that literally everything in this world is energy. I couldn't quite grasp it at the time but I've been reminded of this truth though the following life chapters. Especially during hard times, even when things are good for that matter, it can be much easier to focus on the negative. When this happens, you are coming from a place of lack, a place of negativity, and therefore putting that energy into the world around you- your family, friends, future, universe and yourself. This compares to if you can come from a place of gratitude, a place of fullness, a place of abundance, you bring that energy forward into the world. When gratitude can be the focus, you radiate good energy and therefore attract good energy.

It can sound just like words, it might sound cheesy to some, but through my yoga, meditation, reading, spiritual practices, and mostly through actual living, I promise it is true. Yesterday on my (really) long walk, I was thinking about the most challenging previous chapters of my life. Looking back, there were always such blessings intertwined in those times; if ample gratitude had been practiced, the pain would have been a lot less. And always, those hard times ended with new easier times, usually much quicker than I anticipated. Example: that hard Florida chapter then quickly led to being a skydive instructor at both Skydive Spaceland and iFLY in Texas, something I never could have imagined in the midst of that storm.

Actually living it out can be challenging. I believe in a morning and evening meditation practice which helps us ground into our bodies and feel grateful. I believe in taking that time to name all that we are grateful for- either out loud, or in a journal. That's a start, then it can be possible to add mindfulness throughout the day.

Through this time, I have used gratitude as my centering point. The point of gratitude that always comes up for me is my family. They are the people who have unconditionally been with me through everything. No, we are not perfect, yes we have had conflict, yes we disagree, but yes I am endlessly grateful for them- always, and especially during these times. No family? For others it might be friends or pets. Maybe it is simply being grateful that you have an able body, or a capable mind, or food in your cabinet, or the sun shining outside, or the peace of nature. I hope you can dig deep, below all of the current events, and find gratitude in the biggest and smallest things. I hope from that you can find energy to believe in a bright future.

These are the pictures of the time I had with my family this past year. Mom to Houston for medical reasons in March, Dad to Houston in May and September, me home to New Hampshire in September, family in Florida for Christmas and Mom and Dad to Houston in March. Carly and I also had a wonderful Europe and Houston trip but those are their own posts ;) Thank you to my family for your endless love, energy and support. Much love to everyone during this time- and always.