Category Archives: people

I’m Grateful I Learned About The #SpiritofPlace After a Visit to the #Pontdel’AlmaTunnel in Paris, France

Have you ever visited a special place where you experienced a memory or learned about a historical event? As I grow older, I am discovering many “special places” in my life: my mother’s gardens, an outdoor wedding spot, a fun family reunion memory from childhood, a loved one’s grave, a walkway where great men/women passed…. my little doggie playing in the bushes… What places are special or sacred to you?

Recently, I learned about the concept of #SpiritofPlace when I was reading about #water. Many religious practices recognize locations as significant and it is through that context that I am learning. Due to an illness I had an opportunity to go to Lourdes, France and on the way there, I passed through Paris, France and asked my driver to take me to the tunnel where Princess Diana died – the #Pontdel’AlmaTunnel. I was so moved to see the exact spot where her car crashed, and she lost her life.

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Gratitude For Thinking, Learning, And Experiencing

Last night I had my first “Sound Bath”! I attended because I love to learn about various perspectives on healing and wellness. When we started it was noted that the frequency of 432 Hertz would be emphasized. I made a note on my cell phone for later study. I studied “acoustics of sound” during my Ph.D. coursework, so my curiosity was ignited.

This morning I googled 432 Hertz to learn the significance. Apparently, this frequency is believed to be a healing frequency as it reduces anxiety, lowers blood pressures, and lowers heart rate. Further, as I read various studies to verify the accuracy of this statement, I I learned the term “solfeggio” frequency. According to the Nature Healing

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Gratitude For Marine Rev. Robert Blake and Wife

I believe we must remain in a State of Gratitude these days even in the midst of the pandemic, the hurricane, the ending of the 20 year war, the murder of service men and women, the fires, the arguments over masks, and on and on…

Recently, I talked about #portals opening briefly in our lives, and closing just as quickly. Over the last few days I wondered what kind of portal opened up this week? It seems the news is all bad.

I reflected on what makes me continue to believe in gratitude in spite of everything? In fact, one site I view daily is #gratitudemakestheattitude. I was drawn to an old video my son made for my father’s celebration of his 90th birthday and I share it with you today.

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Grateful For Each Family Member

These times are tough. The virus is disrupting our lives. Many people are troubled with serious, deadly illnesses. Years of relationships are breaking up. People are in pain.

When I look at this old family photo, I am reminded that the entire back/top row of my family is already gone. They have passed away. Only myself and my brother (in bottom row) remain. How does that make me feel? Sad, but reflective on life. What have I done with my life? Have I been a helpful, loving member of my family as well as my community, and society? With my remaining years, how might I become more giving, helpful, a better listener to all others, more contributing, kinder, more sensitive to “hear” the pains and frustrations of others, more understanding, more selfless, more decisive in helping other persons move through their various pains of life with illness or with loved ones?

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Practice Gratitude During Stressful Times

I spend most of my time listening to people complain these days. No doubt there is more uncertainty than I ever remember in my life. People can not easily vacation, or travel, or plan to see other family members and friends. Some people are wearing masks again, others refuse to do so. The news is uncertain about the Covid viruses. School may or may not return to normal this year. People have lost their jobs. Other people do not want to work because they need to stay home with their children or they prefer to receive support from the government. The weather is hot and humid and the wild fires are starting again. Some people would say “life sucks”. So why would I expect anyone to practice gratitude?

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Giving Gratitude to One Psychologist Mother

This video summarizes the skills of one mother of a special needs child. This psychologist practiced for over 40 years and uses strategies which many people should utilize with their clients both young and old. Using #love, #music, #storytelling, #songs, #humor, and #constantpressure, we learn how she forms her own daughter into her #diamond.

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Acknowledge When A Portal Opens In Your Life

My dear friends recently were married in Portugal at the Quinta de Sant’ Ana in Gradil. With the Covid in all of our lives during the past 15 months or so, it seemed that their wedding would be postponed. In fact, it was cancelled in May 2021. But, then some dates in July 2021 opened and they quickly planned the wedding again. Their family and close friends were able to attend, but just as the three day event ended, the country of Portugal changed the rating for the virus to the highest level again, just as the twenty or so people were testing negative and beginning to leave the country. They were all able to leave the country just in time to return to the USA as the world began to shut down again.

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Staying in a State of Gratitude Is Not Easy: So How Do I Do It?

Recently, I wanted to go out to lunch with a friend. We tried four different restaurants and each one was crowded with a long wait. Plus, we had to mask up so we wanted to social distance. We had even gone at an early hour to avoid the crowds. I guess everyone else had the same idea. However, when we got to restaurant number five, it was empty. The food was better than the other places we had visited and the lunch was actually more enjoyable.

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Gratitude When Finding Favorite Foods

As I grow older I try to limit my sweets, but I have a weakness for bread pudding. Every time I go out to eat I search the menu for “bread pudding” and order and sample whenever I find it. Last week in Westfield, Indiana I found #pumpkinbreadpudding at #GrindstoneontheMonon. It was topped with vanilla bean ice cream! It was good. My family members and I enjoyed it and, of course, compared it to our favorite previous bread puddings. We love to compare the sauces, the temperatures/textures, and ingredients. For example, my favorite topping sauce consists, in part, of cream cheese with Grand Marnier Liqueur with pecans, but I admit the vanilla bean ice cream was nearly at the top.

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Grateful for Love’s Truck Stops: Motorcycle Man

Recently I drove across the country from California to Indiana on a weekend. I was surprised at the road construction and all the people on the road. I typically like to stop at #Love’s Truck Stops as they are open 24 hours and have gas, food, and clean bathrooms. People typically take a nap, or even sleep a few hours at night to rest during their various trips. Families fill their cars or campers with people as get-aways

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