Howdy folks,
I recently became inspired to keep a daily blog for 30 days tracking sources of gratitude in my life, a way to track the precious details that are easily overlooked and under appreciated. Special shout out to Bijal and Rachel: Rachel, for showing me Bijal’s blog, and Bijal for writing about what she is grateful for. Bijal, hopefully imitation is the highest form of flattery. With the goal of increasing my capacity to appreciate all the people and moments in my life, I thought that writing and sharing them would keep me writing for 30 days.
Three Sources of Gratitude AND Meditation/Reflection:
Gospel music—As you likely know, I did not grow up in the Black Baptist church, nor do I boast a particularly good voice outside of the shower, but I am grateful for gospel. For me, it’s the music that says no matter how hard it has been there is always hope. The choir is not just like any other band, it’s a community making a supplication to a higher cause. It’s the kind of music that makes you react and participate—there are no spectators when Aritha Franklin is wailing. I remember when I studied the Black Civil Rights movement how music played a crucial role in the pursuit of racial equality in USA. Every time I hear ‘Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘round” chills shoot through my spine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIX6btGIn8w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Z1trynEHs
Breathing–It seems so oblivious it should not count, but the ability to draw a deep intentional breath of air is one of life’s greatest simple pleasures. Through yoga and karate, I have begun to discover that breath is the bridge between mind and movement. For instance, while performing sun salutations today I began to tap into the power of ujjayi breath and the moves began to flow in a way that was both purposeful and seamless, or what John Stewart would call “Your moment of Zen” After 10 full deep breaths, I can feel the oxygen flood my body and a growing sense of calmness.
Showing Up— It means being present in mind, body and spirit. At the last moment I drove down to a wedding party in Houston for some of my closest friends. Despite 4 hours of driving each way and some snails pace h-town traffic, I was there. I saw their faces and reconnected with friends from the co-op that I had not seen in over a year. ‘Being there’ was completely worth the gas, time in the car, 5 AM wake ups ect. It will always be easier to stay at home and catch up on Parks and Rec on Netflix or any other reason to stay put, but showing up for your friends when it’s the most inconvenient will ALWAYS mean more. Shout out to Dan Treadway for flying in from NYC just for it and to Danny and Teel for letting me ‘show up’ on Teel’s couch. As the great Woody Allen said, “80% of success is showing up.”
Intentional Act of Kindness:
I have been helping edit and brainstorm some of my friend’s admission essays and personal statements to various programs and schools. I always enjoy hearing people stories.
Exercise:
I have begun to get back get back into Ashtanga yoga. Each morning I do 10 sun salutations and then move into the standing sequence, then sitting, and after back bending. As mentioned in the gratitude section, I love how Ashtanga is predicated on deep intentional breaths. Also, the inversions are really fun.
charliesaginaw 