Dear friends.
I'm glad to have you with me for this Gratitude Reflection for Tuesday evening.
This is the third in a series of seven.
Each one is an invitation to notice the quiet blessings that come to us day by day.
We begin by bringing ourselves to a place of awareness in this present moment.
So gently set aside whatever has been occupying your mind today.
Allow your body and your mind to relax.
You might find it helpful to begin again.
By bringing your attention to your breath.
The simple act of your breathing in and your breathing out.
Your bread is a fateful companion.
Always there,
Ready to guide you home to yourself.
Whenever you pay attention.
So breathe in.
And know that you are breathing in.
Breathe out.
And know that you are breathing out.
With each breath.
Feel the air that sustains you.
This Earth is shared with every other living creature on this Earth.
So stay with the breathing for just one minute.
And allow your breath to carry you gently into this time of stillness.
Welcome back.
This evening,
I'm grateful for all the people who have crossed my path today.
Whether in person in memory or in thought.
I'm grateful for those who have supported me.
I'm even grateful for people who have challenged me.
And even for those with whom I've struggled.
Realising that every encounter,
Pleasant or difficult,
Is an invitation to me to grow.
Not only in compassion and understanding.
But in patience as well.
I'm grateful for all the simple acts of kindness that have come my way.
Some of these acts of kindness may have slipped by me almost unnoticed.
Kindnesses that may have been taken for granted.
I'm thankful for them all.
I pray that I may be a source of kindness for other people.
Offering any small act that helps in some way.
To ease the burden of someone else.
I'm grateful for my friendships.
My relationships.
For people who know my strengths and weaknesses and still stick by me.
May I never take these connections for granted.
May I remember to express my appreciation for those who share the journey of life with me.
And as this day comes to a close.
May I feel a sense of gratitude for today.
For its people and its gifts.
Namaste.
