Archive for the ‘Gratitude’ Category
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
Kindness Within
Wednesday, May 8th, 2013
I looked for kindness and found it everywhere.
I saw kindness in the crossing guard who assisted the elderly many across the street.
I saw kindness in the woman who put money in the cup of the homeless man.
I saw kindness in the man who held the door open for two women with canes.
I saw kindness in the bus driver in the bus driver who gave directions to lost tourists.
I saw kindness in my teacher who showed me compassion.
I looked for kindness and saw myself.
Celebrate You!
Wednesday, May 1st, 2013
How are you watering the garden of your heart?
How will you celebrate you this month?
Happy May!
(Photo taken by Mary Anne Flanagan)
Rise and Shine
Tuesday, April 30th, 2013
I sit.
The sun rises.
I sit.
The sun shines.
I sit.
The sun goes in.
I sit.
The sun sets.
(Instagram photo by Mary Anne Flanagan)
They Told Me I Couldn’t…
Tuesday, April 16th, 2013
They told me I couldn’t draw and I became an artist.
They told me I couldn’t play an instrument and I became a drummer.
They told me my essays were mediocre and I became a writer.
They told me I couldn’t carry a tune and I sang my heart out.
They told me I was an average student and I started my own business.
They told me I couldn’t and I did it anyway.
How about you?
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
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}