Being Truly Thankful....

Being Truly Thankful
Beyond Counting Blessings

When we are in the state of thankfulness, we are in a higher state of awareness, gratitude at our doorstep.

Often when we practice being thankful, we go through the process of counting our blessings, acknowledging the wonderful people, things and places that make up our reality. While it is fine to be grateful for the good fortune we have accumulated, true thankfulness stems from a powerful comprehension of the gift of simply being alive, and when we feel it, we feel it regardless of our circumstances. In this deep state of gratitude, we recognize the purity of the experience of being, in and of itself, and our thankfulness is part and parcel of our awareness that we are one with this great mystery that is life. 

It is difficult for most of us to access this level of consciousness as we are very caught up in the ups and downs of our individual experiences in the world. The thing to remember about the world, though, is that it ebbs and flows, expands and contracts, gives and takes, and is by its very nature somewhat unreliable. If we only feel gratitude when it serves our desires, this is not true thankfulness. No one is exempt from the twists and turns of fate, which may, at any time, take the possessions, situations, and people we love away from us. Ironically, it is sometimes this kind of loss that awakens us to a thankfulness that goes deeper than just being grateful when things go our way. Illness and near-miss accidents can also serve as wake-up calls to the deeper realization that we are truly lucky to be alive.

We do not have to wait to be shaken to experience this state of being truly thankful for our lives. Tuning in to our breath and making an effort to be fully present for a set period of time each day can do wonders for our ability to connect with true gratitude. We can also awaken ourselves with the intention to be more aware of the unconditional generosity of the life force that flows through us regardless of our circumstances.

On Second Chances.....

“If you have made mistakes, there is always another chance for you. You may have a fresh start any moment you choose for this thing we call ‘failure’ is not the falling down but the staying down.” -Mary Pickford

We’re never out of the game until we decide we are. Even if circumstances don’t appear to work in our favor, even if we have an uphill climb, even if we’ve fallen, we can get up and keep going until we choose to stop.

Happiness is in the going itself–the choice to keep doing what we love, even when disappointments and hurt pride make it challenging to give up.

Until the day we stop breathing we have limitless chances in life.

If one approach isn’t working, we can try something new. If we don’t have enough support, we can reach out and ask for help. And if something doesn’t feel right, we can wipe the slate clean and start all over in a completely new way.

We set the rules. We get to choose who to be and what to do from day to day–but we have to believe that we deserve and can create happiness.

How can you create happiness today by empowering yourself to keep going?Happiness is in the going itself–the choice to keep doing what we love, even when disappointments and hurt pride make it challenging to give up.

Until the day we stop breathing we have limitless chances in life.

If one approach isn’t working, we can try something new. If we don’t have enough support, we can reach out and ask for help. And if something doesn’t feel right, we can wipe the slate clean and start all over in a completely new way.

We set the rules. We get to choose who to be and what to do from day to day–but we have to believe that we deserve and can create happiness.

How can you create happiness today by empowering yourself to keep going?

Marni Task - Yoga in Cleveland with music by Michael Franti and Spearhea...

On being thankful during tough times.......

"Remember, although things may be tough, and holidays may be a challenge for you, you do HAVE people who love and appreciate you. You also have their support waiting for you. Reach out and let them take your hand. It will help you and make you appreciate the important thing about life. That is family, friends, relationships, and people. You give love and support, and when you need it, it will surround and lift you up. Be thankful for family and friends today. :) Xo"

Our Deepest Fear.......

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Marianne Williamson