Friday Gratitude and Joy in Being Human

Quote of the day: “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” —Buddha

Cheerful sunflowers at Como Park Conservatory Summer Flower Show

As humans, we often strive to reach a certain state—enlightenment, balance, presence, peace—and then try to stay in that state. I have found that it is not my fate to reach some state and stay there forever. Life is not static; it’s a rhythm and flow of ups and downs, joys and sorrows.

Just when I think that I’ve achieved a new understanding or a new level of being, old thoughts, doubts, and behaviors pop up again. I have been repeating circles of trying too hard for “success” and working and stressing trying to figure out how to create a financially successful business, followed by surrender and letting go which brings creative outpourings of joy, serendipitous events, fortunate meetings, and serene certainty. Just when I think I’ve got “it” figured out (whatever “it” is), I circle back around into trying and stressing or wondering what in the world I’m doing.

I’m learning to accept my artistic highs and lows, certainty and doubt, joy and sorrow. Whatever I’m experiencing is teaching me. Some days I walk through my life trailing joy everywhere I go. Other days I carry a heavy pack of worry and doubt, and every step feels like toil and trouble. One thing I know for sure—whatever I’m feeling now will pass and new feelings and thoughts will arise to replace them.

The daily practices of gratitude and presence help me to come back to center, if only for a moment at a time.

This week I am grateful for:

Love and Compassion. I caught this loving gesture at the Como Park Zoo this week and it made me realize that love is truly all around us.

Grace and beauty - everywhere I look

The scent of flowers fills my senses to overflowing

Wonders of nature - even though in captivity, the zebras' presence and beauty took my breath away

Gardens and gardening - I've walked through greenhouses and gardens this past week and planted flowers in my garden with great joy

The simple beauty of wet stones under my feet helped me notice beauty with every step I took.

Rain! The flowers in my yard are in bloom! Their bright, vivid colors make me happy

Linking up with Liv Lane’s Little Bliss List with gratitude.