November Mama Message

"I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness. It's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude."

- Brené Brown

November is the month of gratitude, yet as I write this I am aware of the tragedies unfolding in California in the form of violence and the largest wildfires in the state’s history. At times like this, it is so difficult to make sense of the scope of the challenges that we are facing. We try to comfort and give assistance, we work towards prevention and understanding...and we see people come together with love and generosity.

It can seem selfish to focus on what we have when so many have lost so much. These are the times that we are justifiably in a place of grief or despair… and, when we are ready, we can cultivate a practice of focussing on our blessings. We can focus on the things that we are grateful for and choose to spend more time in that space. I just heard a quote from Randy Garn that basically said that we can count our burdens or we can count our blessings. We have a choice where we put our energy, and when we are faced with tragedy it can be simply that we are grateful for our breath, for the sunrise, for our family, or our ability to hug our loved ones… or to focus on the lovely memories of them.

I choose to focus on the positive as much as possible. We are faced with challenges daily, and we can descend into sadness, despair, depression, and anxiety… or we can be appreciative of the smallest of our blessings. Most of us have so much to be grateful for, and yet, we don’t always act as if that is the case. It is precisely at times like this when we need to dig deep and just breathe, and then slowly give gratitude for what we can.

Studies show that when we come from a place of gratitude we are 20% less likely to get sick, 25% more likely to sleep deeply, and we even feel less physical pain. Gratitude helps us manage our own energy, and it also puts positive energy out into the world where it is needed so desperately. Each one of us can make a difference just by where we put our focus each day.

I am so grateful to be in communication and friendship with each of you. I am grateful for my family and friends, for my health and home, my ability to travel and to continue to learn and grow and strive. The essential oil of gratitude is Spikenard, an ancient oil that encourages true appreciation of life. It invites us to surrender and be open to all of life’s experiences. This month I encourage you to spend time in a state of gratitude and to count your many blessings.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.