Thank you, Shukraan, Gracias, Namaste

​Do you find it difficult to accept and be grateful when things go wrong? I do, its easy to be grateful when things are going my way but, I often need a reminder to accept and be grateful for everything that is going on - even those bumps in the road! As we have explored over the past weeks, when unwanted things happen it is useful to remember........ 

• 'It's Like This Now' and 'Even This', Acceptance

Acceptance of what is happening now rather than wanting it to be different from how it actually is! 

• Then act from that wise spot of acceptance (being careful not to bypass or overindulge emotions)
• Be grateful for an opportunity to learn something new or develop a virtue such as compassion, empathy or patience 

Once we accept 'how it is now', we are ready to act from that wise spot. 

As we explored last week those bumps on the road help us to develop virtues such as patience, empathy and compassion.

So I have had a few bumps on the travel road which have included..... 

• Delays and lots of waiting

Seeing this as a good opportunity to develop patience and to do some on the go crocheting and mouse knitting. Remember patience is not only being good at waiting but also includes a good mental attitude while waiting. 

• Losing my purse in a taxi in Granada 

Seeing this as a good opportunity to let go of attachment to money and give away the cash to a very friendly and helpful cab driver. 

• Getting sick, including homesick in Spain. 

Seeing this as an opportunity to develop empathy and compassion for others when they are unwell. And also gratitude for when I am well. I have loved saying 'bless you' as i have been surrounded by lots of sneezing. What a lovely practice. Being homesick has made me gratitude for home and my friends and family there. 

• Getting lost lots! Including in Granada at night while trying to find our hotel and park the car.

We eventually parked the car, found our hotel and enjoyed meeting some lovely bartenders and eating a tapas dinner at midnight! Grateful for some food and a bed. 

As I mentioned I am feeling very grateful for all the beautiful opportunities I have had to connect with others during this holiday. I am reminded of ......

• The 'Thank You' mantra

I am not very good at learning or pronouncing words in any language, other than English (which is questionable at times too!). But, I have been doing my best to learn hello, thank you and goodbye  in Arabic, Nepalese and Spanish. I particularly enjoy the 'thank you' manta in its relevant language.

A mantra can be defined as "a word or phrase that is repeated often or that expresses someone's basic beliefs". So what better mantra to be saying than - Thank you, Shukraan, Gracias, or Namaste! We can say this mantra to others as well as ourselves, as we explored in the "Thank you to Past Me' blog. I often find repeating a manta like 'thank you' or a classic one such as 'Om Mani Padme Hum'  in my head will put a spanner in the works of more unhelpful thought habits. 

Namaste is a Sanskrit word that means 'bowing to you'. It represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us. The gesture of Namaste is an acknowledgement of this spark or soul in one, by the soul in another.  Which reminds me of something else I have trying to be mindful of this holiday - Making eye contact with those I meet. As Shakespeare says "Eyes are the window to your soul". We explored this in the 'Creating a Great First Impression - Eye Contact and How to Make it'  blog in 2016! Another important way to connect with others is to remember to smile! A smile costs nothing and can totally change yours and others' days for the better.  As William Ward says "A warm smile is the universal language of kindness'. 

Both Gratitude and connecting with others are wonderful practices to help us overcome feeling down and alone. As I have often said I am very grateful for my morning gratitude practice, my gratitude journal and doing my best to be grateful for whatever pops up.

I am also grateful for the second part of my morning gratitude practice which is to remember impermanence and to do my best to make the most of each and every precious day. This is especially pertinent as I remember with love and gratitude my beautiful, courageous and kind friend and her amazing family. She certainly did her best to make the most of the many challenges she faced. She lived a kind and meaningful life and remains much loved. I am grateful for the many precious times we shared together. 

I do hope you all enjoyed a lovely Mother's Day. In case you want to do some more reading - here is last years post - Happy Mothers' Day Everybody! I was going to repost this for this fortnights blog though as you can see I have ended up writing more than ever!


Have a great fortnight! Gratitude, Kind Regards and Best Wishes, 
Maree xx ​