Namaste, Rishikesh, 2004.
I've been inspired by my fellow bloggers to think and write about gratitude. I must admit that this has been quite a challenge. What I realized, with some embarrassment, is that I am more often making lists about what I'd like to have, rather than showing deep appreciation for all the wonderful things that constantly bring me happiness.
So I started sitting with that word everyday: Gratitude. I learned that gratitude is a "magic token". The more I focus on the beauty around me in gratefulness, the more I am able to silence my anxiety and improve my well-being. Suddenly I am enough and I have enough. Hmmm. I can rest on that yumminess whenever I need to? Wow.That is such a comforting feeling!
Also, some other interesting questions have surfaced... Could I finally be learning that just being thankful is not enough? Perhaps acknowledgement is the first step towards gratitude. However, I am feeling that I am only truly grateful when I start doing something to put all the kindness, love, nourishment I receive, back into the world. Is it possible that I've been just plain lazy? All those thank you cards I did not send, the birthday parties I did not attend, remembering it's Tuesday and taking the trash out... for God's sake! Could that really make a difference? In me? And to the ones I'm sincerely grateful for?
Hence, a new intention. I shall bring this recognition into my yoga practice for the next month to breath into it, sweat it out and put all that warmhearted energy into action. I want to give, value and treasure more all the infinite sources of joy in my life.
Here are some treasures and opportunities for me to practice gratitude with: my loving supporting family, my lovely man, my artistic and splendid friends, this blogging community, my job, my comfy bed topped with fluffy blankets, all the incredibly delicious meals I'm lucky to have, warm clothes for the winter ahead... But I'm not going to bore you with all those things which ought to be my own life-long practice...
Below you'll find some juicy and less ethereal reasons for me to be grateful: (Caution: plain vain!!) I'm writing it down because I'm so lucky to have these things. Life is swell! Find these guilty pleasures in your own life. It feels good to know how we live in abundance without even knowing it. More importantly, it can change the way we look ahead...
Salty kisses from my love, after he's done surfing. Priceless!
Every sunshine day - Something to definitely be grateful for. Must be the Brazilian genes, guys... What can I say? But if you know me in person, you probably know to avoid me on some of those cloudy days...
My GAGGIA - For that much needed kick in the butt in the mornings! When did I get this picky? I'm not sure... Buying a fancy espresso machine certainly does not fit my nomad style. Although one thing I know. I like my crema and 140 degree foam! Secret: Since I took the plunge on this extravaganza, I am so much happier... So why not?
Juicy Couture - I told you this was gonna be vain! May I just say it for the record? Most of my much needed relaxation (and writing!) happens when I'm wearing these delicious pants, my friends! Yep. Try it. Warning: Uncontrollable desire to lounge for hours...
Better Botanicals - I sure can rough it up on the road, but still... I love to be throughly moisturized at all times. This,this and this are highly addictive. Gypsy Girl loves Ayurveda goodness!
***
How about you? Can gratitude play a bigger role in your life?
Comments (27)
I am thankful for your luscious photos around the world, your insightful words and just you in general...I hope that reiterating this to you shows more than gratitude...
...thanks for helping me to evolve with you.
Namaste,
Novel
Posted by Novel Nymph | January 8, 2007 1:32 PM
Posted on January 8, 2007 13:32
It shows, Novel! Indeed! :D Thank you so much for your words and kindness. You bring sunshine to my day!
Posted by Alex aka Gypsy Girl | January 8, 2007 1:52 PM
Posted on January 8, 2007 13:52
Another lovely post Alex. Nice reminder that you ARE enough and HAVE enough. I've never been consistent with gratitide lists, but it's a good idea and I think gratitude can certainly help bring awareness to the present.
Neat idea about bringing it into your yoga practice too.
Enjoy the sunshine today!
-Andrea
p.s. did you get my email?
Posted by Andrea | January 8, 2007 2:50 PM
Posted on January 8, 2007 14:50
I was waiting eagerly for your next post! I am so grateful for you and all the beauty you bring into my life through your pictures and words.
Gratefulness is something that has been so lacking in my life. Instead of saying, "Thank you" I find myself saying things like "Why me?" and "Not this again!" I am starting to realize now that gratefulness is like breathing... it's essential to live.
Thank you, Alex...
Posted by Regina Clare Jane | January 8, 2007 2:51 PM
Posted on January 8, 2007 14:51
Thank you, Andrea! Yes. Let's plan some yoga together soon. I have a special class I need to take you to :)
Posted by Alex aka Gypsy Girl | January 8, 2007 3:56 PM
Posted on January 8, 2007 15:56
Dear Regina,
I also look forward to seeing you here and learning from your comments and posts.Thank you for inspiring me to share more everyday!
Posted by Alex aka Gypsy Girl | January 8, 2007 4:09 PM
Posted on January 8, 2007 16:09
Gratitude. I am so convinced about this and the link to happiness. I think it is just so helpful to reframe things this way - instead of being sullen about slights, being grateful for pleasures. Infinitely better. And yes, I am with your other fans, sincerely grateful for your postive and mindful influence whenever I visit your blog.
xoxox
Posted by Maryam in Marrakesh | January 8, 2007 6:53 PM
Posted on January 8, 2007 18:53
P.S.- I just wanted to say thanks Alex, for those lovely links, especially for the Better Botanicals. I had never heard of these products but after perusing the site, I am going to the local retailer tomorrow and getting a few things! Yay!
Posted by Regina Clare Jane | January 8, 2007 7:54 PM
Posted on January 8, 2007 19:54
Thanks for writing this. There are not enough well stated reminders in this world about the importance of Gratitude. You've made a wonderful contribution (for which I am grateful!) Do you know how some things just go better with other things? Like marshmallows in hot chocolate? I find that the perfect compliment to Gratitude is Forgiveness. The two together bring ecstasy! Have an ecstatic day my friend! (And enjoy the History of Love)
Posted by Dennis Tkon | January 9, 2007 4:58 AM
Posted on January 9, 2007 04:58
Alex this is for you:)
Chiquitita, tell me what’s wrong
You’re enchained by your own sorrow
In your eyes there is no hope for tomorrow
How I hate to see you like this
There is no way you can deny it
I can see that you’re oh so sad, so quiet
Chiquitita, tell me the truth
I’m a shoulder you can cry on
Your best friend, I’m the one you must rely on
You were always sure of yourself
Now I see you’ve broken a feather
I hope we can patch it up together
Chiquitita, you and I know
How the heartaches come and they go and the scars they’re leaving
You’ll be dancing once again and the pain will end
You will have no time for grieving
Chiquitita, you and I cry
But the sun is still in the sky and shining above you
Let me hear you sing once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita
So the walls came tumbling down
And your love’s a blown out candle
All is gone and it seems too hard to handle
Chiquitita, tell me the truth
There is no way you can deny it
I see that you’re oh so sad, so quiet
Chiquitita, you and I know
How the heartaches come and they go and the scars they’re leaving
You’ll be dancing once again and the pain will end
You will have no time for grieving
Chiquitita, you and I cry
But the sun is still in the sky and shining above you
Let me hear you sing once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita
Posted by Circirbocegi | January 9, 2007 5:37 AM
Posted on January 9, 2007 05:37
May be you are singing this Abba song to us?:) Thanks Alex..
Posted by Circirbocegi | January 9, 2007 5:39 AM
Posted on January 9, 2007 05:39
Absolutely! Right now I am grateful that the nice Danish soldiers let me use their internet up here in Ghor so that I could visit your blog and read this delicious post.
Ghor reminds me to be grateful for the little things: blankets, warm socks, sleeping bag and my wonderful True puffer jacket.
I'm grateful for a warm tent here in the PRT where last night I could do my yoga and tonight I will be able to meditate without my toes freezing off!
Posted by Frida | January 9, 2007 7:55 AM
Posted on January 9, 2007 07:55
If you have not visited "Maryam's Marrakesh" yet, you're missing out! Maryam brings so much beauty to the world with her magical images and witty writing. She is the master on celebrating beauty and guilty pleasures! I've heard that her blog is the one to read... with your first cup of coffee. And I agree! =)
Maryam, I'm a huge fan of yours too. I'm so grateful that you found me, so I could find you!
Posted by Alex aka Gypsy Girl | January 9, 2007 9:22 AM
Posted on January 9, 2007 09:22
Dennis, I'm grateful for such a great insight. Thank you. I'm not only grateful for hot choco with marshmallows, but to your perfect analogy as well. Gratitude & Forgiveness: I'll keep this "combo" close to my heart.
Posted by Alex aka Gypsy Girl | January 9, 2007 9:33 AM
Posted on January 9, 2007 09:33
Ah! If I could only lift up moods like Abba does, Circir! Talk about ecstatic!
Thanks for sending this. =) It sure made me smile! I'm grateful that you are here to add the Turkish flare to this blog. Has anyone out there ever been to Istanbul? And isn't it one of the most beautiful places in the world? Send us some nice pics, Circir!
Posted by Alex aka Gypsy Girl | January 9, 2007 9:46 AM
Posted on January 9, 2007 09:46
Frida! What a wonderful surprise! =) Everyone should know that your post this weekend, really touched me and reminded me to be grateful for all the little things I usually take for granted. What an amazing woman you are! I'm grateful for finding more courage through you. You've inspired me to do a little better and give a little more... Because I can and I should! x
Posted by Alex aka Gypsy Girl | January 9, 2007 9:57 AM
Posted on January 9, 2007 09:57
Hi there!
Thanks for your comment on my word ("participate").
I read over your background - and guess what? - I've been to Sao Paulo twice for work! The city was a very interesting mix of people. Of races. Of social status. Of education. Of lives. Of everything. I had a great time observing what I could of the city (in my two, short trips) and made some great friends.
Glad you're enjoying San Fran. I've been there too and really love that place.
~d
Posted by denise | January 9, 2007 7:26 PM
Posted on January 9, 2007 19:26
This is wonderful, gratitude is spreading like wild fire. Keep it up and thanks for sharing
Posted by cathy | January 10, 2007 11:52 AM
Posted on January 10, 2007 11:52
This post made me smile tonight. Let's see...I am grateful for my loving relationship, I'm grateful that I'm healthy, I'm grateful that I have Time and the freedom to work on my artwork, I'm grateful to have discovered this creative, inspiring blogging world.
Posted by susanna | January 12, 2007 6:39 PM
Posted on January 12, 2007 18:39
Cool thought-provoking post.
Because of the compulsory 5 daily prayers and all, for me, gratitude is pretty much unavoidable.
In the Quran it says that if all the seas were ink and all the trees were pens, it would all run out before you could be done listing the things to be grateful for.
I think I need to show gratitude to my parents more...
I love that quote.
And I love the pic of the Indian woman, she has this genuine natural happiness in her eyes.
Posted by [a} | January 12, 2007 10:58 PM
Posted on January 12, 2007 22:58
alex,
i am glad you included the vain stuff too...all of this makes us who we are so you should celebrate all the things you have gratitude for, not just the ones you think people will like you more for.
jenn
Posted by jenn | January 13, 2007 8:22 AM
Posted on January 13, 2007 08:22
Denise! Sao Paulo is indeed very diverse! I'm glad you enjoyed. Thanks for stopping by.
Posted by Alex aka Gypsy Girl | January 15, 2007 4:10 PM
Posted on January 15, 2007 16:10
Cathy, I agree. Doesn't it feel wonderful to see everyone reminding themselves to be grateful for all their blessings? Thank you for spreading the fire!
Posted by Alex aka Gypsy Girl | January 15, 2007 4:13 PM
Posted on January 15, 2007 16:13
Suzanna - thanks for sharing and reminding us that we do have freedom to create!
Posted by Alex aka Gypsy Girl | January 15, 2007 4:15 PM
Posted on January 15, 2007 16:15
Thanks, A! I like the Quran saying as well.
Posted by Alex aka Gypsy Girl | January 15, 2007 4:18 PM
Posted on January 15, 2007 16:18
Absolutely, Jenn. And when we realize that we are blessed with "extras" in addition to health, love, peace... Then we really know we can and we should be giving some too!
Posted by Alex aka Gypsy Girl | January 15, 2007 4:23 PM
Posted on January 15, 2007 16:23
Thanks A! Life's pain indeed blinded me from seeing the many blessings God showered upon me and my loveones. Thanks for waking me up!
Posted by Majane | March 17, 2007 5:37 AM
Posted on March 17, 2007 05:37