Gratitude is what we are without a story. These words of Byron Katie sprang forth from my reading this morning and resonated deeply in my being. More and more often I go to my gratitude journal and find no words, just a peaceful silence. In those moments I could search for the words to describe each and every person, animal, tree, or thing in my life. So many blessings! But this alone is sometimes a hindrance to gratefulness as I experience it, which is beyond words.
That’s when I drop into the awe and wonder of simplicity. There I am, looking out at bare branches swaying. Seeing the sometimes gentle, sometimes violent winds of life passing through. Without a story that it should be any different than it is, I am peace.
When I studied at a Benedictine monastery, I fell in love with Meister Eckhart, the great thirteenth century mystic. These words were all it took: “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”
May this be your mantra during this season. If holiday hubbub gets in the way, simply remembering is enough. Thank you, with or without words. Enough.
Yes !!! “Without a story that it should be any different than it is, I am at peace.” And I notice where it is and how often it is I think it should be different … often it is at work. I notice that when I let the stories of my patients be their stories without imposing my “shoulds” on them it is so much easier to be there … peaceful even … in the midst of their crises, I remain at peace. I like that space. And I am learning to appreciate the space of awareness that I am imposing my stories on others … Mmmmm …. yes … it is all good.
Isn’t that an amazing shift? Especially when you’re working with people who are ill, or with your own healing. At least that’s what i notice.