Gratitude

Every morning my day begins with meditation. Ok .. so after I take care of the girls (dogs)!

:D

Aside from yogic meditation I use a meditation deck. From this, I pull a 'daily card'. Over the years I have noticed that it always corresponds to something that will happen that day.

Yesterday I drew hearts. Its a lovely picture of loving hearts, hearts of embrace, enduring hearts, its such a warm and beautiful card. So all day yesterday I was looking for the hearts.

My day was typical. There was nothing out of the ordinary in anyway, and though I spent a loving day with my husband, that is normal so not the heart I was looking for. Then yoga class and Camille was there. She was my heart .. my warm loving embrace.

And she reminded me of gratitude, which is something I related to her, that I have tried to go back and express to all the souls in my life who have left me with an indelible impression. Beautiful souls like Pat and Kris, Camille and Terry, Morgan and Barbara, Sandy and Tish, Will and Alison, Michele and Melissa, Joe and Aly, Jackie and Tim, and so many more!

So it is, that this morning, I thought to share these thoughts with all of you. I cherish the experience of life, for true spiritual enlightenment occurs not from escaping life but in embracing life. It comes when we cherish every moment.

I cherish the challenges and challengers, for in troubled times the best retreat is within, where we can grow stronger and better.

I cherish the moments, for everyday is a treasure waiting to be seen. If I sit in the dark and never answer the phone, or cry in my pillow, never letting anyone close, then I will never find the treasure of life and living.

I cherish who I am. How can I not! I cherish my body so make it strong. I cherish my soul so seek its enrichment. I love myself so these are my gifts to self.

I cherish my visions and my dreams, for they are the children of my soul, the blueprints of all my achievements.

I neutralize negative thoughts by choosing to be positive. For me to be a better and stronger person, or to truly realize who I am, I must change the tired ways that have kept me tired. Remember, if you want to continue to get what you have been getting, then continue to do what you have been doing.

Kindness is the best way, my favorite way, to display my gratitude. Caring comes from the heart so caring is a spiritual practice that should be done daily - and all caring is expressed through the body.

A yoga pranayama (breathing exercise):
-Breathe in: "I will be happy."
-Breathe out: "I release all sadness."

-Breathe in: "I am grateful."
-Breathe out: "I release remorse."

-Breathe in: "I am love."
-Breathe out: "I release fear."

Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi