_Simple Gratitude by Louie Schwartzberg:

It's fitting that at this time of "giving thanks," and holiday miracles, that I share this amazing and profound 10 minute video with you from Louie Schwartzberg.  This was shared with me by a very good friend of mine, and it has become my morning meditation.  Tune out all other distractions; listen to the wondrous insight from a young girl; and the profound wisdom from an elderly man, shaped and honed by life experience and an attitude of appreciation. 

It is impossible to watch this video and not feel a new sense of wonder and appreciation for the numerous blessings in your life.  As you see the smiles and sparkle in the eyes of those photographed all over the world, recognize how small and interconnected our world is!  What if, instead of fighting traffic, hunting sales and best prices, you simply shared this video and, perhaps, a donation to a charity of your choice.....  imagine the sense of satisfaction and appreciation within that generosity:  and then pause, and reflect on the true gifts of this time of year.  Resist the impulse to spend more money, and, instead, spend more time......  with loved ones, doing what nourishes your spirit, that unveils the unfolding and becoming that is so vividly captured in Louie's time-lapse photography. 

As we prepare to say good bye to 2011 and enter into 2012, thank YOU for allowing me to share my passions with you;  for taking some of your precious time to read these small epistles, and to share in the natural beauty of our world.  You are a cherished companion and I am grateful for YOU!

God's blessings for the remainder of 2011 and for 2012!
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Giving Thanks! 11/27/2009
 
"The store was closed so I went home and hugged what I own."  Brooks Palmer

How I wish I heeded this advice!  "Black Friday....." the day when people forget about the simple pleasures of food, family, warmth, and gratitude and rush out to beat others to that one or several sale items! While I wish I could say I resisted the tremendous pull to the stores, I didn't and found myself awake and out of the house by 6:30am.  And, yes, I wasn't the only one!  I landed at Walmart at around 7:30am and have never seen the parking lot as full as it was today!  The good news is that it did require me to burn off a few extra calories from yesterday.... in having to park at a distance.  The register lines were full and people seemed content to stand in line with "all the money they 'saved,' while texting or reading messages on their cell phones.

Alas, I didn't find that one item that I had rushed out to get and was once, again, reminded that we can be so easily manipulated!

I've been spending a lot of time thinking about creating my future vs. "reacting" to it....  moving toward something vs. running away from something.  Whenever I can align my time and energy with what I'd like to move towards, I find I am most happy or content.  I think I'll spend the rest of the day doing just that......  writing, reflecting, exercising, and being grateful for "that which I already own."

Wishing you many blessings this Thanksgiving and always!

Joy
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