There are a couple of practices that are keeping me relatively sane during these troubling times.
The first one is gratitude. I am enamored of gratitude.
Every night before bed, Debra and I write a list of 10 things that we’re grateful for from the day. Then we read our lists to each other. At the end, both of us are calm and smiling. And then it’s bedtime, and sweet dreams.
The other way I use gratitude is one I have mentioned of before in these notes. Every time I get in my car, before I put it in gear, I look around and notice three things I’m grateful for. Often it’s a tree. Often it’s my car. Often it’s my health. Often it’s people who are standing strong in the face of racism, misogyny, and classism. It’s a good thing I get in my car several times a day, because my list of what I’m grateful for is long!
As I feel gratitude for each thing, I imagine that the thing receives my gratitude, and reaches back to me in appreciation. I bow my head in wonder. Then I put my car in gear and go on my way.
The other practice that sustains me is Imbue and Imbibe. I’ve written about that before, too. Imbue and Imbibe.
Lately, I’ve been in imbuing my water with courage. And wonder. Hope. Strength. Perseverance. Fierce love.
It helps. May my fierce love and gratitude reach all of you.