Archive for the ‘Gratitude’ Category
Hopeful
Thursday, March 25th, 2021
I have been thinking about hope the past few weeks. Perhaps it is the new season of Spring and watching the flowers burst through the earth. Perhaps it is because I have been watching the birds return to the cherry trees out side my window. Perhaps it is the light that lasts longer each night. Perhaps it is knowing that family and friends are getting vaccinated and I too will soon get the vaccine. Perhaps it is because I feel like making plans of things to do or places to go for the first time in 12 months.
Or perhaps I have been meditating on hope because it is the season of renewal, miracles, and the Easter season of resurrection and new life. Perhaps it is just my faith reminding me that hope returns (or perhaps never left) that I am given constant reminders of hope in nature. All I know is that any time I have been asked how I am dong the past few weeks, the only word that comes out of my mouth is “hopeful.” I am hopeful of new beginnings and of miracles. I am hopeful that I can live more fully out (especially after a year of having to live fully in). I am hopeful that I can soon see people and hug my family. I am hopeful that so much goodness is waiting for me — us — you.
Even with so much still unknown and a year that will bring a lot of change, I still feel hopeful. And of course that doesn’t mean I don’t get scared or cranky or worried. I am hopeful that my voice will return and my writings will be expressed. I am hopeful that I can be quiet and still. I am hopeful that my inner compass will show me the way and love will lead me home.
And I am choosing to be hopeful. It’s a daily practice — and some days I am better at it than others.
My faith reminds me this time of year that from the darkness comes the light. Without the dark earth, flowers would not bloom. And so I too am rising from the dark earth with new life, new blooms, and new eyes. What are you unearthing? What is blooming inside of you? What has been waiting to bloom inside of you?
A Reflection on Devotion
Friday, January 11th, 2019
When I picked my word/mantra for 2018, I had no idea just how powerful it would be. My word for 2018 was: Devotion. I thought that word would be all about “Devotion” to stillness, to meditation, to love, to service, to creating, to healing, to traveling, to causes, to writing, to connections, and to nourishing peace.
What I didn’t know was that devotion to family and time. It was a year devoted to my dad as he spent most of the year ill. It was a year 
devoted to time and spending as much as possible with my dad and family. And it was a year devoted to love.
As I reflect on what was a difficult and sad year, I will always be grateful for the devotion I had for my family and their devotion to me.
Perhaps I didn’t choose the word devotion for 2018, rather devotion had chosen me.
Dedicated to beloved father who passed away in September.
Come Dance with Me
Thursday, December 5th, 2013
Every child has known God,
Not the God of names,
Not the God of don’ts,
Not the God who ever does
Anything weird,
But the God who knows only 4 words
And keeps repeating them, saying:
“Come Dance with Me.”
Come Dance.
— Hafiz (1320-1389)
Poem: Hometown
Tuesday, June 25th, 2013
I sit in my hometown
Stop to get a slice
Pizza, ice tea, and a magazine
The peace of a Sunday starts
Small local town
Someone knows someone
Who knows everyone
I still get lost here
Sports topics surround me
And shopping of clothes
Sizes of shirts
What stores take returns
When did I start listening?
When did I stop listening?
My hometown
I left long ago
I return over and over
The ghost of the teenager
I long ago abandoned
Your order is ready
Time to leave
On the road
Over the bridge
The place of my birth
The city that took me in
When I had nothing
Now, where is home?
Listening
Here—right here
Still growing up
Small Moments of Great Joy
Thursday, February 28th, 2013
As I sat on my bus ride home, I noticed how the daylight had expanded. I was listening to some chanting music and I turned my head to see a big glow of light – the sun bursting through the frame of the bridge I was crossing. I took a quick photo with my phone and smiled as metal beams began to brighten with the light. Simple. Beautiful. Perfect. Small moments that bring great joy.
Notice the small moments that bring you great joy. Share them.
What small moments bring you great joy? Post them here.
Let’s celebrate the small moments. Let’s celebrate joy!
Look Around
Friday, February 22nd, 2013
You are surrounded by beauty.
Look within.
You are surrounded by beauty.
Enjoy your weekend! Enjoy your beautiful self.
(Photo by Mary Anne Flanagan)
You Are the Sunrise
Monday, January 28th, 2013
I sit on the bus and watch the sun rise.
I walk on the beach and I see the sun rise.
I drive on the highway and notice the sun rise.
I pass you on the street and welcome your sunrise.
{Photo by Mary Anne Flanagan}
Savor the Moment…
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013
My meditation this morning was about savoring. My message was clear:
Our path is not so much to find things to savor as it is to savor all of life, and all people.
My focus of savor came to mind because I spent the weekend going for long walks and took delight in the exploration of new trails, beautiful sunsets, and serene surroundings. I appreciated taking paths that were unknown to me. As I walked around a beach trail on Saturday afternoon, the sky changed colors and I could tell the light was going to be beautiful and I wanted to savor the day. As the sun started to descend, I began to follow the cars towards the west point of the trail. As I sat on the rocks, I looked deep into the horizon and watched an incredible sunset over the Long Island Sound. I gazed in awe as the light changed, the colors in the sky expanded, and an entire cloud turned pink. I knew I had to savor the moment. I quietly meditated, took photos, and smiled at the brilliant sky.
By the time Monday came, all I could think about were the trails and the sunsets. I felt a sense of renewed spirit. I was even furthered inspired by watching hours of the Inauguration. I was struck not only by the power and energy of President Barack Obama’s speech, but by his ability to savor the moment. As the President re-entered the Capital after the ceremony, he took a moment to pause and reflect. “I want to take a look, one more time,” the President said. “I’m not going to see this again.”
Whether stopping to look at the sky, walking slower on a trail, or watching a few hours of the Inauguration, each day offered me an opportunity to savor the moment.
What are you savoring?
Surround yourself with people who know what brings you joy and want to celebrate it. Savor the moment. Savor your moment.
No Expectations
Friday, January 11th, 2013
Even after all this time
The sun never says to the earth,
‘You owe Me.’
Look what happens
With a love like that,
It lights the whole sky.
-from The Gift by Hafiz of Shiraz
{Photo by Mary Anne Flanagan}
My Year of Outrageous Bliss
Monday, December 31st, 2012
Back in January, I declared 2012 to be the year of adventure and outrageous bliss! My theme lived up to its name. I have had many adventures with lots of personal and professional excursions and have had several emotional inner journeys.
To hold myself accountable and focused on my theme, I met weekly with my good friend and Life Coach, Myron. We spent nine months meeting every week to set goals, share stories, and create our own mastermind group. Together we laughed, cried, shared success, and moments of challenges. What I loved most about my weekly meetings with Myron is that we could be real and vulnerable. We shared our big dreams with one another. When we struggled with personal and professional challenges we could share without being judged.
At the end of each year, I slow down before I speed up into a new year. I take time to reflect, to be grateful, and to acknowledge. There were so many moments of 2012 that were filled with bliss. Many were everyday moments that brought a smile to my face.
I am grateful for every lesson, every journey of my heart, every tear, every smile, every friendship, every laughter, and every moment that brought me closer to outrageous bliss. Thank you to everyone who shared themselves with me on my journey – whether you know it or not, you made a difference in my life. Everything became my teacher this year from the NYC subway, to my nine year old nephew, to the Pacific Ocean, to a new health condition. I allowed myself to be open to the adventures of my heart.
2012 brought some big, wild, outrageous adventures that I led or created. I am grateful for starting a new coaching company, Growing Edge Coaching, traveling to Peru and leading a ceremony on Machu Picchu, giving my Wild Cosmic Heart Retreat in Hawaii, and expanding Toning the OM with new beautiful meditation videos.
It certainly was a year of adventure and outrageous bliss! Thank you for sharing it with me. I look forward to many new adventures together in 2013.
This blog is dedicated to my dear friend, Myron Tucker. You made this year full of more joy, laughter, and love – thank you my friend.