When I started along this healing journey, I called these GIFTS “steps.” And while they WERE steps (like stairs) for me in that they led me from dark places to wide, open, spacious places “steps” may be confused for, “Do this and you will get what you want.” In truth, I practice the art of S L O W (though the world around me certainly doesn’t) and intentionally receive the life – giving nourishment found when strolling in truly beautiful places — both physically and mentally. Busyness is a cheap substitute for true living.
In her book, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, Ann Voscamp, said,
Sometimes, you don’t know when you’re taking the first step through a door until you are already inside.
I made room in my thinking to NOTICE the little blessings in every day — no matter how small. Yes, it was a matter of practice because the unlovely, miserable things are so much louder. I see more clearly now that every day I get to choose what I give my time, attention, and energy towards. I get to choose. We GET TO. It was life – saving to begin and the beneficial habit of NOTICING the daily gifts became a lifeline for me just as it was for Voscamp.
Another tip I’ve picked up along the way is to make new habits a game, something meaningful to me. So I combined Voscamp’s idea of noticing 7 little blessings each day all the way to 1000 with a tangible treasure hunt. I love old and interesting-shaped glass bottles. I collected little objects: pretty beads and buttons, tiny shells and rocks, sand and dried flowers, etc. For each blessing, I added a little tangible object to the glass bottle and watched it fill. Then I filled in any empty spaces with the sand (white, glow in the dark sand is fun!). Finally, I gave my beautifully-filled glass treasure bottle away to a loved one with an explanation of what it represented: songs, sights, scripture, special interactions, quotes, experiences, etc. In this way, I could spread the beneficial thought and also be held accountable to remember the earlier treasures.
Over the years, the benefits blossomed and now there are gifts/treasures – tangible and intangible – everywhere! Once we train the eye (and heart) to really SEE, they begin to operate on their own. It becomes a life – giving habit of mind. Each. Little. Step: Leaf pattern. Sun on water. Fresh – picked berry. Bug and bird song.
Wake. Wander. Wonder.
Along the road I realized I resist RECEIVING anything beneficial from others. I looked back over a lifetime and saw that I’d begun the practice of effectively shutting others out somewhere back in childhood. It was much too vulnerable. It was easier to pretend not to need anyone.
But now, I’m making space to receive from others as never before. I have a large family; I’m surrounded by people much of the time. I’m personable and out-going so most folks will never know the difference. But I know. Timidly perhaps, but I now know the benefits of beginning! So I intentionally RECEIVE hugs from others, even as I give them out (it’s a mindset, receiving is). I pause to consider the heart in both big and little presents that come my way. I consciously choose to believe the kind things people say to me instead of internally writing them off. I’m making room in my heart to receive.
Cherish Azalea 