Gratitude-Medicine In All Its Forms

I have been fighting against Western medicine for the past couple of years. After a serious health issue several years ago, I vowed that I would not be put on any more pills. Although my prescribed medication at the time was necessary, I did not want any more. I wanted there to be another way. So when other health issues arose, I sought natural remedies.

With guidance and direction, the natural remedies seemed to be making a difference. Combined with major lifestyle changes, I felt healthy and vibrant. I found spiritual avenues to support my path. Yet, just when I felt healthier than ever, another health challenge hit. I had decisons to make..I wanted to dig in, to deny that traditional Western medicine was the answer. Alternative(natural) remedies had made a difference, but it was not enough.

In a conversation with someone I greatly respect, who lives a very healthy, clean life, she said words to me about my dilemna that resonated. In regards to my internal conflict on whether to pursue a traditional remedy, she simply said to me, "Everything is God made manifest." LIGHTNING BOLT!!

There is a place for all things and Western medicine is a gift when used appropriately. I am grateful that knowledgeable doctors were available last week to care for me. I am grateful that there is something that will complement my natural regimen to bring my health back.

I am grateful for all of it, for the great minds that seek out answers, for the knowledge available to help. It is ALL God made manifest.

Finding My Tribe..

Several years ago, I went through a serious health challenge. As I lay in a hospital bed, terrified, far from my parents and siblings, I realized-"I am alone." I had lived in that particular city for 23 years and yet, in the midst of emotional, and then physical crisis, I had noone(NOONE!) to call. How had this happened? How did I end up in this lonely situation? I had plenty of friends, a wide circle of acquaintances. But I had the sudden and shocking realization that there was an emptiness..something was just not there.

Cue my life forward a few years to last Friday, January 17, 2014. I once again found myself in a hospital bed, experiencing a physical health challenge. And yet, as the day transpired, I was clear on several fronts: who to call, who would be by my side, who would phone me and/or text etc. But mainly I was juar so clear and so sure that these people in my life would be there. I knew this without hesitation, without one doubt. Without even speaking to these people, I could feel deep within that they were with me.

I have been thinking a lot about this the last couple of days. I realized that even though I was nervous and scared last Friday, I felt a deep sense of peace, a knowing, while I went through medical tests and waited for the answer to what was happening. I am so grateful for that peace that came from the knowledge that I am loved and supported in this new place I call home. I am so incredibly thankful that I have found this..or perhaps it found me. Gratitude fills my heart today to know that at the age of 52 I am home..I have found my tribe.

My wish is for everyone who searches to find their home, their tribe..it is out there and it is searching for you too.

Blessings

The Breath That Centers

Jan 6, 2013..Today I focus on breath. Several years ago, before I moved to Colorado, and during a stressful time in my life, I was not aware of my breath. As I reflect on that time now, I realize that I was, in fact, not really breathing. There were times when I was actually holding my breath. My body was tensed, the breaths were infrequent.

As I learned the importance of breathing, really breathing, I find that whatever comes up for me-some upset, a stressful day, illness etc, it is greatly lessened by simply remembering to breath. Today, I am so grateful for breath and for learning to breathe through life. This is like a muscle..it takes practice and reprogramming.  I dont just do this randomly. I make a point to remember to do it. I consciously practice this several times a day. 

Last Saturday morning, I was driving to a meeting at 7:45 am. As I drove on the ramp to the interstate a truck behind me began honking-nonstop. He honked and honked until I exited the ramp onto the highway. He then zoomed around me, craned his neck toward my car and was shaking his hand and screaming at me as he whizzed on by. I have no idea what brought on this display and it doesnt matter.  Years ago, an incident like this would have knotted my stomach and upset me. Instead, this Saturday morning, I simply smiled at this raging man and breathed. I continued my day and did not let the incident rattle me. I did silently wish him peace on his lifes journey. I truly felt compassion for someone whose Saturday morning had started in such a way as to make him so angry.

There have been times in my life when I could have used a lesson in breathing..for it truly does bring me back to my heart. It clears my mind and my body. I breathe and silently affirm what I am breathing in. I breathe again and silently affirm what I am breathing out. 

I am so grateful today for breathing, for the breath that brings me back to my heart, to my center.

Today, I breathe in strength. I breathe out love.

Gratitude for 2014

I am amazed that I have not written in this blog since April 2013. I have no reason why, but something I read today made me realize it was time to get back to it.

Each evening, and each morning, I journal. Before I go to sleep, I sit in my bed and write 3 things that I am grateful for that day. I follow that with my thoughts or words, sort of a visioning exercise. My morning ritual consists of journaling followed by meditation. More often than not, my morning journaling is more extensive and detailed. This has worked for me, except for those days when..well..it doesnt! Those days are usually the ones in which I find myself up against something-a tough time. Although I KNOW there are things to write down, things to be grateful for, my mind dismisses the exercise. So, I have decided that in order to express gratitude, consistency is key! Putting this commitment to consistency out in this public blog will hold me accountable.

So, I am commiting to a gratitude blog daily in 2014. I know this wont always be easy and/or convenient. But Im willing to push through the excuses and make this happen. If you want to join me, please let me know. You wont regret it! I have a feeling about this..I sense an incredible journey awaits.

Today, I am in gratitude for friends..for friends who listen, for friends who hold me accountable, for friends who challenge me to be my best self. I have seen people come into my life in the last couple of years who have blown me away with who they are. I am grateful for this community of aware, loving, conscious, and just damn GOOD people.

So there you have it..Heres to gratitude in 2014. Love & blessings to all.