feel gratitude for what I have in my life

1. Planned and booked 3 days in London at the end of January. Will be staying in the Kew Gardens area. so it looks like I will be able to experience the gardens in the winter
2. New bookcases are in place, now in the process of filling them up
3. Good food last night, Deep fried tofu pieces and peas in a rich sweet and spiced tomato sauce… My vegan alternative version to Mattar Paneer
4. That even though I am not feeling great, I am able to be productive and still know that there are things to be grateful for
5. That I have such great kids

But I know that I have much to be grateful for in my life. Real appreciation for the things that we have is hard and yet so crucial to our existence.

that what I do have in my life, I take far too much for granted and so am not able to appreciate it. Time to sit and ponder on these things, they are things that really should not be taken for granted, they are things that would leave me reeling if they were no longer in my life. They are the things that keep me upright. Time to take stock and be more mindful…

i will try this, to make my life better :-)

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. Albert Schweitzer

Do not take lightly small good deeds, Believing they can hardly help.
For drops of water, one by one, In time can fill a giant pot.
Patrul Rinpoche, Buddhist teacher

Took the kids for a walk in a gorgeous park today, so many trees and all so green and lush. It was such a nice walk and after we had got away from the lake area where there were lots of people, we followed the stream that runs through it. We were mainly alone on our walk, there was just the occasional dog walker passing by (call me anti-social but I prefer it that way) and it was on this little trek that we spotted the Kingfisher. It is wonderful to have a park like this in Scarborough, which is only 2 mins from the sea. There is so much to have gratitude for in this environment and I must always remember not to take it for granted…

They are both teenagers now so they have their moments! But to say that I am grateful for having children is the biggest understatement imaginable. I treasure every moment with them.

I heard the Dalai Lama speak in Nottingham yesterday. It was everything and more than I had hoped for. ‘Caring for our world’ was the theme of this talk and Jonathan Dimbledy was facilitating the discussion with the Dalai Lama. There was an opening dance presentation by children from Nottingham schools, it was wonderful. Three children each got to submit a question to the D L, all themed around the environment and universal responsibility. The few hours that I spent there were so moving, I sat among 6000 people but didn’t feel lost, I felt a connection to others seeking a solution for our planet. The answers it seems lie in compassion, non-violence, education in a life sense, responsiblity and consideration to name a few. I could go on but I will end my lovely experience with a poem that was written and read out by an 8 year boy,

The Earth

We must give her care,
The sky is our father,
He gives us our air

I love to climb trees
And swim in the sea
Fly my kite in the heavens
That pleases me.

I thank the earth on which I walk
I thank the air for which I breathe
I thank the fire that keeps me warm
I thank the water that I drink.

‘May all these things, ‘I shout out loud
Blow away the stinky cloud,’
Remind us all we use too much
Show us how to get in touch

I start with myself
Practice kindness and respect
Lets all work together and connect.

So important, so easy to take for granted.