Gratitude for All that Is

I am grateful for helping spirits of the East.  The air that provides each breath as we go forward and the breath that soothes discomfort or anxiety.  Eagles soaring and condors and all the winged creatures that teach us to fly.  I am grateful for new beginning and possibilities, new days, new seasons, the new leaves of Spring and the fragrant smells that uplift us and new growth for all living things. Help us to start anew with the anticipation of a child and the confidence of the newborn in the wild.

I am grateful for helping spirits of the South.  Fire that warms and feeds and dances.  Burn that which no longer serves us and turn it to ash to feed the earth.   Summer fun and summer nights that bring respite from the summer days.  I am grateful for the Sun that heats the earth and brings life to ALL.

I am grateful for the helping spirits of the West.  For water in all places and stages.  The rushing rivers and drops of rain that hold the world upside down.  For the lakes and great oceans that bathe us and wake us to abundant life.  For fish and otters and starfish and sea horses.  Our bodies are filled with fluent water which moves us to help do what is best for all creation.  For the autumn of our lives and peace knowing what we know.

I am grateful for the helping spirits of the North.  For ancestors and grandmothers and grandfathers whose wise teachings stay with us and pass through us.  Winter brings rest and open forests and amplification of all earthsounds, which bring gratefulness to our bones.  Wise owl, thank you for your teachings as well.  I am grateful for white bear and all the north creatures. 

I am grateful for the Upper world, the lights in the night from stars and planets.  For mystery and unique beauty.   Great Creator, God of all things,  help us to listen with both ears.

I am grateful for the Lower world, the darkness, the world of creepy crawlers, the place of bones decaying and decomposers working to bring sustenance.

I am grateful for the Center world and grounding and knowing.

I am grateful for all Angels and Archangels and ancestors and helping spirits in all realms.

Even on Hard Days

I am grateful.  The gosling count this year was up to 8 today and then we lost one, a birth defect.  Another is having difficulties.

  Loss is hard even when it is a 1 day old gosling, many are losing mothers or fathers or sisters or brothers sons and daughters and other family and friends.  Such a difficult time.

  I am grateful for uplifting stories that are being shared.  Yesterday, we heard an interview with a couple that were getting married.  The man is 107 and his wife to be, 100.  They sounded so happy and excited.

  We took a ride today to one of our favorite spots.  The canyon was gorgeous with all the wild dogwood and redbuds and the river rushing and out of its banks.  

Each day I still wake up excited about the possibilities for the day and grateful that I get to be a part of it.  I feel strangely removed from all the hardship, anxiety, and sadness that others are experiencing. I don't find myself worried about the future and in fact I see myself as a part of the future healing and I will be grateful for that opportunity.