NOVEMBER '11 Gratitudes/ Appreciations -WelcomeAll

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11/8/11 12:29 P

I think over again my small adventures, my fears, those small ones that seemed so big, all those vital things I had to get and to reach, and yet there is only one great thing: to live and see the great day that dawns, and the light that fills the world.
-- Old Innuit Song

Good morning,

I don't know where my earlier posting of gratitudes here disappeared to (somewhere in the far reaches of cyberspace I suppose), but I'm persistent, so here goes, one more time~~

~ the deep insights and philosophy of indigenous peoples

~ one load of washing done, including a friend's, last load in-process

~ strength training about to be completed

~ consistency on daily 64 oz. of liquid intake continues

~ worked out a financially reasonable plan with owner/teacher to attend frequent classes at new downtown yoga studio

Blessed be,
xox
Maha

Posts: 1,798
11/8/11 9:48 A

I'm grateful that I've been on a streak for a few days ending a downward spiral. I am losing again and not feeling anxiety over the disciplines that it takes to stay the course! I feel so good!

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11/8/11 9:32 A

This morning, my gratitudes include:

-Meeting a friend we hadn't seen in too long at a salad and soup buffet restaurant for dinner
-Plenty of much-needed rain yesterday/last night
-Getting a GREAT jump on my exercise week by completing strength training session #1 yesterday at lunch
-Getting some hurt feelings talked about and cleared up
-An opportunity to volunteer at The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet for the Kansas City Ballet in their new home at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which will get me entrance to both ballets - what a win-win

Make it an excellent day!!

Stephanie

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11/8/11 8:46 A

Appreciations this morning include:
-Aspen trees outside my kitchen window still full of yellow green leaves quaking in the breeze
-V cleaning and clearing the backyard....again
-Imposing size and happy company of Mojo on my morning KJ walk
-Taking in the remaining Autumn colors in well bundled gear
-‘Cedes starting right up after sitting idle for a couple of weeks and being always a fun drive
-Fabulous Indian food with leftovers

Posts: 4,867
11/8/11 6:19 A

This morning I am grateful for:

- getting to stay home a little later today because of the "teacher's work day".
- smiles from H yesterday.
- student cuteness and creativity yesterday.
- lot of fruits and veggies.
- very interesting dreams indeed.
- expanding view of many things and increasing flexibility and resourcefulness.

Posts: 2,635
11/7/11 10:43 P

This evening I am thankful for the progress I made today in getting things put away (or into their new place), warm and loving interactions with people, my new gas range, a warm home, and a comfy bed in which to rest soon.

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11/7/11 2:14 P

Good Afternoon! Today I am thankful for...
~necessary endings, painful though they might be.
~sunshine.
~friends to lean on.
~my 14 amazing Daisy Girl Scouts that last week planted daffodils at the church we meet at.
~my faith giving me the confidence that everything will work out and allowing me to get a good nights sleep in the midst of turmoil.

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11/7/11 12:51 P

Today I bow down in gratitude for:
~ my Lula dog, forcing me to go out for a walk when I might hunker down inside
~ vision
~ breath
~ hearing
~ hugs
~ more blessings than I could ever list
namaste,
sherrie

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11/7/11 10:25 A

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.
-- Confucius

Good morning,

Cruising through here on my way to the kitchen to fix brekkie, with gratitude to share~~

~ an abundance of healthy, delicious food in the kitchen

~ home made muffins to accompany my breakfast and, oh yeah Steph, I too have leftovers of a delicious salad I made yesterday, to enjoy for lunch

~ a courageous attitude going into the day

~ the extreme of reaching out and "making a difference"
www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4785

~ repeated inspiration from the Good Newswww.dailygood.org

Blessed be,
xox
Maha

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11/7/11 9:38 A

This morning, my gratitudes include:

-Finally being able to connect to SparkPeople to do my gratitudes (not sure if the site went down or it was my dinosaur computer)
-Getting the front yard cleared of leaves this weekend (no minor feat with 6, beautiful old oak trees)
-Excellent cardio tennis workout yesterday, complimented by more raking, an active day
-A wonderful salad we put together last night to have at dinner and eat off of for a few days
-Packing a hefty portion of that great salad for lunch today
-The beautiful weather we had this weekend

Make it an excellent day!!

Stephanie

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11/7/11 8:13 A

Appreciations and gratitudes this morning include:
-Taking in the clear, clean blue sky and rejuvenating energy on KJ walk
-Finding and maintaining inner calm in the presence of heated rant
-Being able to tell client ‘yes’ I had finished her shield
-Error free website updates done
-Continued flow of creative time soothing as always
-Happy, healthy harmony at home

Posts: 4,867
11/7/11 4:45 A

I am grateful this morning for:

- yesterday's strength training workout.
- session with D last night.
- Sunday morning clarity and productivity.
- fun and laughter with L.
- hanging calligraphy in living room.
- anticipation for Amazon book order.

Posts: 2,209
11/6/11 2:43 P

Today I bow down in gratitude for:
~ rest
~ daughter's unexpected visit home and her happiness to be here
~ students doing very well at yesterday's competition
~ music
~ sunshine
~ more blessings than I could ever list
namaste,
sherrie

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11/6/11 11:52 A

This Sunday morning I'm thankful for getting off to a relaxed start on the day with coffee in the hot tub with J; the opportunity to worship later; a plan for getting the house back into order; a functional kitchen that's almost complete; and being at peace within myself.

Have a blessed day one and all!

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11/6/11 11:38 A

This morning, my gratitudes include:

-A great dinner out last night with several friends we hadn't seen in too long, including making plans for an ACTIVE get-together soon to go play laser tag (for those who want to and/or can)
-The wonderful spinach salad I had with strawberries, feta, red onion and chicken, along with a side of the best BBQ baked beans in the city
-Making decent progress yesterday on raking and cleaning up leaves and turning them into mulch for my neighbor's garden (he shares excess produce so I'm doubly happy to help)
-Seeing our neighborhood cat this morning that looks almost exactly like my Lady Gwendolyn did, although he's a bit bigger and male
-Cardio tennis today, along with more raking of leaves ... so good exercise planned for today

Make it an excellent day!

Stephanie

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11/6/11 11:13 A

If you spend too much time working on your weaknesses, all you end up with is a lot of strong weaknesses.
-- Dan Sullivan, business coach

Good morning! Here to join you in gratitudin'~~

~ thanks Julie! for the suggestion of hot cereal, inspiring me to make a Maha blend of rolled oats, brown rice farina, and Scottish oats with berries, toasted sun seeds and walnuts

~ thanks for Rebecca's link and revisitng Eli Pasiner (former CEO of moveon.org)

~ here's one for you -- UN-sponsored, for the International Year of the Forest:
www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2387

~ prison gathering last night nourishing as always

~surrendar

Blessed be!
xox
Maha

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11/6/11 8:47 A

I am really trying to get back in the habit of thankfulness. Today I am thankful for:
~a stunning fall morning to run.
~my church, which planned an amazing bus trip for women only.
~the speakers at the conference this weekend that spoke to so many women on so many different levels.
~a fuzzy bathrobe and warm oatmeal.
~being able to stay positive in the midst of chaos.

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11/6/11 8:14 A

Appreciations this morning include:
-Focusing on studio time in mellow meditative flow
-Sunday morning traditions
-Client visit and news he has new job (as violinist) which he loves
-Honest and clear communications
-Getting clocks and timepieces set back

Thank you GBoomer, you may like this link on how to stay anonymous online lifehacker.com/5854203/how-to-create-a-fak
e-identity-and-stay-anonymous-online

Edited by: REBCCA at: 11/6/2011 (08:15)

Posts: 4,867
11/6/11 5:39 A

I am grateful this morning for:

- Rebecca's TED lecture video. Yes, very interesting! I had noticed that I can no longer just tell people to "Google" something, that people's results differ. Hadn't thought about other implications.
- weighing-in this morning and being delightedly surprised that my weight is lower than my last weigh-in in June.
- having some concrete ideas in place for lesson planning later this morning.
- a full night's sleep.
- getting more items moved from old house yesterday and setting them up in the new house.
- trying a new-to-us local restaurant for dinner with L yesterday.
- finding a website where I could purchase and download one of my favorite Brazilian jazz albums that is out of print ("Diamond Land" by Toninho Horta). For the curious, here's a YouTube link: youtu.be/PbcbC3PZr60

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11/5/11 1:36 P

Among my appreciations and gratitudes this morning:
-Extraordinary labyrinth walk experience to celebrate in my own way, the Crystal Skull journey (they were nearby yesterday)
-Friends attending that ceremony sothat I will have first hand report
-The huge benefits that just a couple of hours of cleaning and de-cluttering yielded
-Almost remembering my dreams that left me with promising emotional optimism
-Easily troubleshooting computer snafu
-Interesting and thought provoking TED lecture
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOE1HFEL8XA

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11/5/11 11:04 A

Another day to appreciate everything beautiful around me!

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11/5/11 10:58 A

This morning, my gratitudes include:

-An EXCELLENT week of exercise, including a 5-week streak on twice-weekly full body strength training, plenty of cardio, and great high intensity cardio tennis
-Exercise dates with my partner two nights in a row, helping both of us with consistency, as well as giving us quality/healthy time together
-One of my go-to dinners, grilled cheese sandwiches and organic tomato soup, perfect for a Friday night when we're both tired and don't feel like "cooking"
-Having a great lunch out yesterday to celebrate a friend's birthday
-Sales at Best Buy as I need a new CPU unit for my computer

Make it an excellent day!!

Stephanie

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11/5/11 10:17 A

Psychologists tell us that the tendency to look on the dark side, what’s known as the negativity bias, just pervades our consciousness, and how we interpret our lives, and ourselves, and the world around us. And so we need to gain control over our consciousness. And one way to do that is through the practice of developing gratitude, whether that comes through a gratitude journal, whether it comes through other thoughts and cognitions by which we can replace the non-grateful thoughts.
-- Robert A. Emmons, UC Davis professor of psychology

Good morning!

Here to proclaim some of what is RIGHT~~

~ seeing that living in a place of gratitude can help my tendency to always rush to the worst possible scenariowhen there is silence from a person or situation

~ seeing the possibility of a long bike ride as therapuetic in my not-knowing state (a person who is being uncommunicative

~ thinking about maybe going to Puss'n Boots matineee as *happy* medicine

~ fantastic breakfast of local farm eggs, prepared with sauted greens, feta and salsa, along with sprouted grain English muffin

~ EmergenC on-hand and used as a preventative

Blessed be,
xox
Maha

Posts: 4,867
11/5/11 4:26 A

I am grateful this morning for:

- the weekend.
- decent sleep with interesting dreams.
- Y's sweetness yesterday morning.
- L's dinner last night.
- smile from a stranger.

Posts: 2,209
11/4/11 3:32 P

Today I bow down in gratitude for:
~ Maha's shared poem "The Way In"
~ my washer and dryer
~ my dishwasher
~ hot, running water
~ tea
~ more blessings than I could ever list
namaste,
sherrie

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11/4/11 12:13 P

The Way In

Sometimes the way to milk and honey is through the body.
Sometimes the way in is a song.
But there are three ways in the world: dangerous, wounding,
and beauty.
To enter stone, be water.
To rise through hard earth, be plant
desiring sunlight, believing in water.
To enter fire, be dry.
To enter life, be food.
-- Linda Hogan, from the collection Rounding the Human Corners

Good morning,

So glad to have a *dicey* work assignment behind me and back in community. I heart-journaled my gratitudes yesterday, but I'd rather do it with you!

Happy for~~

~ Linda Hogan, native wisdom purveyor, whose poetry and prose enlivens, enriches, informs and enchants mewww.lindahoganwriter.com/

~ following in the wonderful footsteps of my dear friend Stephanie

~ awe-inspiring "murmuration" (please ENJOY!) vimeo.com/31158841

~ naughty Kitty Rama nonchalantly sauntering home this morning, gorgeous as ever, after her worrisome long absence

~ a day to live on-purpose!

Blessed be,
xox
Maha

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11/4/11 9:19 A

This morning, my gratitudes include:

-Having the patience to wait through more than 10 minutes of sitting time for my computer to get me here (poor dinosaur has served me well for 7 years and it's time for retirement)
-A wonderful night of sleep
-A GREAT workout last night (workout date with my partner), doing a solid hour of cardio exercise
-This being a 5-week streak for me on twice-weekly full body strength training
-Goal to add an additional third mini-strength training each week that focuses only on core and upper body

Make it an excellent day!

Stephanie

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11/4/11 8:02 A

Gratitudes and blessings today include:
-Taking in the day on walk with Kharma and finding KJ have good treads for snowy spots
-R urging me out the door for that walk as I had no inclination to go
-Feeling the groove and muse with studio time
-Plans for breakfast date this morning
-Getting affirmation of my intuitions
-The luxury of going back to sleep after early wake-up

Posts: 4,867
11/4/11 4:35 A

I am grateful this morning for:

- "news and goods" sharing with L last night.
- enjoyable tv watching yesterday.
- T's dependable friendliness at work.
- more student fun and creativity.
- A's smile.

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11/3/11 6:07 P

Today, my gratitudes include, but are by no means limited to:

-Having a computer at work that I can use when my home computer (now a dinosaur, 7 years old) is giving me problems
-A workout date tonight with my sweetie
-Persistence
-Total agreement with GBoomer on the POWER OF KEEPING THE MOUTH SHUT!!!! :-)
-A very productive meeting today, with my being able to back my workload increase of 35+% in the past year with facts and examples

Smile!

Stephanie

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11/3/11 5:27 P

I am grateful every day for my husband. We've been married 9 years and he is my rock.

Posts: 1,894
11/3/11 2:48 P

today I am grateful for:
my family
having a job
having a place to live
the suns out

Posts: 2,209
11/3/11 1:19 P

Today I bow down in gratitude for:
~ sharing
~ energy
~ warmth
~ hugs
~ change
~ more blessings than I could ever list
namaste,
sherrie

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11/3/11 8:22 A

Appreciations this morning include:
-Stomping out a Reiki healing symbol in front lawn after lots of snow shoveling and experiencing sudden golden sunlight affirmation for the kid in me that still likes to play
-R driving me to deposit welcome commission check, resupply fresh produce and be good company
-Batch of root veggies roasted, delicious (ready as my ‘fast food’ option)
-Completing shields while watching Boardwalk Empire w/R and 3 dogs taking turns to cuddle
-Blissful nest for dreamy sleep (I hung drapes to winterize and funnel heat with cozy results)

Posts: 4,867
11/3/11 4:29 A

I am grateful this morning for:

- walnuts and almonds.
- a firm mattress.
- the power of keeping my mouth shut.
- eggs.
- warm hats.

Posts: 952
11/2/11 5:16 P

I'm grateful for a wonderful support system.

Posts: 2,153
11/2/11 5:08 P

Today I am grateful for:

The smell of fresh coffee
The feel of sunshine
The sound of laughter
The taste of Laughing Cow Light cheese (oh, yummy!!)

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11/2/11 11:08 A

People who have faith in life are like swimmers who entrust themselves to a rushing river. They neither abandon themselves to its current nor try to resist it. Rather, they adjust their every movement to the watercourse, use it with purpose and skill, and enjoy the adventure.
-- David Steindl-Rast

Good morning,

Gratitude for~~

~ my ever-challenging pursuit to have faith in life

~ being directed to an amazing SparkBlog about BEAUTIFUL:
www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal.
asp?id=BAZOOKABOBCAT

~ my *beautiful*, healthy body

~ dinner last night of an amazing baby lima stew with kale and turnip greens, edamame, beets, potatoes, and carrots and enjoyed with corn tortillas

~ the university's performing arts center, offering so many wonderful culturally enlivening opportunities

Blessed be,
xox
Maha



~

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11/2/11 9:31 A

This morning, my gratitudes include:

-Weather report indicating we will get much-needed rain today (and possibly a bit of snow tonight)
-Finding new folks to help us with our water gardens
-An excellent cardio tennis class last night (only 4 people showed up, rather than the usual 10, so it was an extra intense workout)
-Feeling better today
-Deadlines at work are lightening up at this point - whew, it's been a long ride through this segement of deadlines
-Mobile mammograms yesterday, so I didn't even have to leave work
-Hope that this year's mammogram will go smoothly; last year resulted in a repeat, along with a biopsy (and was kind of scary)

Make it an excellent day!!

Stephanie

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11/2/11 7:44 A

Appreciations and blessings this morning include:
-Encouragement to embrace Winter, thank you Stephanie, the snow covered world does have a magical look this morning
-Extraordinary compliments on well received commissions
-Taking down all the spooky decorations and stowing them
-KJ walk to deliver my voting ballot before deadline
-Easy flow to creative time and perfect weather for more today
-Bowflex ready for plan of action..it is time
-News that M escaped Bangkok flood water damage

Posts: 4,867
11/2/11 4:13 A

Maha, I'm sure I'm not the only school teacher up at 4:00! (But I go to bed at 8:00pm so I get a good 7+ hours of sleep.)

Today I am grateful for:

- visiting with supervisor yesterday and getting my already good observation report corrected in a few places so that it is even better.
- very creative quarter 1 project scripts coming in from students.
- my coworker Y.
- loving phone call from parents.
- a free slice of my favorite local pizza around lunch time.

Posts: 2,209
11/1/11 10:00 P

Today I am grateful for:
~ seasons
~ cycles
~ autumn sunshine
~ hearty food fitting the cool weather
~ mother recovering from surgery
~ more blessings than I could ever list
namaste,
sherrie

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11/1/11 4:29 P

I appreciated the chance today to get up early enough to watch a glorious rosey sunrise. I appreciated the chance to run outside last night at dusk when I heard thousands of geese honking overhead and watch flock after flock after flock reel through the sky, trying to land on the marsh across from my place. I really appreciate the chance to help people in my work (counselor) even if it's only to support them through things they have no power to change.

Posts: 2,153
11/1/11 3:44 P

Today I am grateful for

- absolutely gorgeous weather, sunny and 60's. And the leaves are beautiful!!
- a good report on my husband's colonoscopy (he's a colorectal cancer survivor)
- a day off from work
- the internet. It connects me to y'all, and my family living so far away, and answers all my silly questions any time of the day or night.

Posts: 2,635
11/1/11 1:09 P

I'm thankful today for ...
... new countertops that should be installed by the end of the day ... I haven't had a functional kitchen since August 23 and the end of the remodeling project is almost here!
... the wonderful "facelift" my home is getting
... trustworthy and skilled contractors
... tictels to the crab feed fundraiser for the women's basketball team this evening
... anticipation of good times to come with loved ones

and so much more!

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11/1/11 12:52 P

Today, on the first day of November, I am grateful for:

-Rebecca, who always takes care of starting us into a new month of gratitude (just as you did this month, my friend!!!!)
-The amazing company on this board, all of those who share in such a great practice
-Having a steady job with fair pay and excellent benefits (more than so many have in this world of increasing unemployment)
-Giving myself a break (I NEVER used to be able to do this)
-Clearing my plate of service in several areas to make room for more in my most important area (for now)
-Flexibility

Mak it an excellent day!

Stephanie

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11/1/11 12:21 P

Embrace the core sadness of life without toppling headlong into it, or assuming it will define your days. The real trick is to let life, with all its ordinary missteps and regrets, be consistently more mysterious and alluring than its end.
-- Gail Caldwell, from Let's Take the Long Way Home

Good morning,

HAHAHA -- Rebecca, I hardly think posting at 6:00am is "late." And WOW! GBoomer, what are you doing posting before 4:00am???

SO MUCH to be thankful for, including~~

~ Gail Caldwell's exquisite memoir that totally captivated me with her lucid writing and deeply conscious awareness, an amazing testament to a spectacular friendship

~ gifted writer, the late Caroline Knapp -- the friend Gail writes about -- whose books I was already familiar with...and so I knew the "treasure" of whom she spoke

~ spiritual practices, like a "bag o'tricks," always there and ready to be used, pointing the way to greater easefulness, peacefulness, and usefulness

~ healthy, tasty food prepraed

~ choir ahead, always a boost for the spirit

Blessed be,
xox
Maha

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11/1/11 11:53 A

Today i am very grateful for: my family, working out of my home, books, the warm weather and the holiday seasons upon us.

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11/1/11 9:05 A

I am very grateful for my hubby who works so hard, and also for my 12 year old son who just made the regional orchestra, and for my 16 year old daughter whose school band and dance guard, of which she is a part of, just made state finals. They never cease to amaze and inspire me. I am truly blessed!

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11/1/11 7:00 A

"If you begin by loving the moment you are in right now, you'll find it easy to love other moments, and even the ones you might have thought difficult or not worth paying attention to, will have their own gift". ~ John Tarrant

Expressing our appreciations is a wonderful way to cultivate love of the moment.
Let's thrive!

I almost forgot that it was a new month...sorry for the late posting of this thread

Gratitudes and appreciations this morning include:
-KJ walk with my well behaved boy dog (while the ‘girls’ were off w/R)
-Precise fairy girls, among the many adorable little trick or treat visitors
-Perfect Halloween weather, mild but sort of spooky and treats enough for all
-Patient progress in studio moving momentum in good direction
-Impromptu veggie curry making delicious dinner
-Reciprocity

Edited by: REBCCA at: 11/1/2011 (07:10)