“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”
~ Melody Beattie, via Rod MacIver, as quoted in Heron Dance Issue 62: A Poet’s Moods
Big Love and Grateful Blessings,
Jamie is an inspiration partner and lantern-holder for her fellow transformation leaders, change catalysts, and creative nonconformists who are living, inspiring, and (intentionally or not) leading the way in these chaotic times. Jamie is a long-time servant of the Muse, a writer and author, and an intrepid walker and feline-tender. She has great appreciation for dark chocolate and cooking other nourishing, delicious meals -- often plant-based -- to nourish her partner and her peeps. She's also the director of a women's health clinic in her community, emphasizing in-person, for-real compassionate care. (Aquarius Sun & Saturn, Chiron & Jupiter Pisces, Ur-Plu Virgo conjunction, and HD 6/2 Projector) Be well! Thanks for visiting! Wishing you well. Learn More: http://sophias-children.com
November 28, 2014 at 4:40 pm
gratitude – the opposite of rampant consumerism methinks
November 28, 2014 at 6:10 pm
Methinks you’re right about that one, Crowing Crone. The rampant consumerism is more like an addiction … or ensorcelment … or that ‘not enough’ belief (which is planted and flamed in our culture). Definitely not coming from the place of ‘enough’ or gratitude. Hmmm…Sounds like a fine thing to explore in a blog post. 😉 Thanks for posting; it’s a really good reflection. ~ Jamie
November 28, 2014 at 6:20 pm
was my inner response to the whole Black Friday craziness. as I read your comment, am thinking, yes that would make a great blog post. Why is it we think we need more?
November 28, 2014 at 6:30 pm
True enough, Crowing Crone. I’ve been wondering on where the whole ‘Black Friday’ phenomenon came from (as in, associated with retail and shopping the day after Thanksgiving), though I’ve not researched it. I don’t remember it being quite as crazy as it is now … so will guess that it’s been amped-up over the last 10-20 years?
Here’s something a facebook friend shared today, related to this theme:
http://ravereader.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dawn-of-the-dead-black-friday.jpeg
You ask, “Why is it we think we need more?” There’s a worthy line of inquiry and reflection!
I’d say partly the ad/mktg sorcery, which triggers and plays on themes like lack, scarcity, etc. — with neuromarketing that’s sophisticated and goes ‘under the radar’. A related musing:
http://www.ivysea.com/pages/Seazine_3-13-11.html
It’s a worthy theme, reflection and question … your thoughts/sense?
November 28, 2014 at 7:58 pm
p.s. This conversation thread reminded me of a 2006 post I did on ‘consumption fasting’ (which is no longer online though it’s archived somewhere!) and something my grandmother used to say, which I blogged on not too long ago in this post on “The Con-Some-Damn-Thing Treadmill.”:
http://sophias-children.com/2014/08/22/are-you-on-the-con-some-damn-thing-treadmill
I always love being reminded of Grandmother Wisdom, so thanks Crone and Linda for that. 🙂
Love, Jamie
November 28, 2014 at 7:42 pm
Hi Jamie,
I read on one of the blogs recently about being grateful for all, even the unpleasant, cruel, painful, etc and it got me thinking. Reminds me of one of my favorite Rumi poems, The Guesthouse. I do not get caught up in the frantic consumerism most of the time, and am training myself to refocus on what really matters, love. I am so grateful for all the lovely spirits in my life and wish you a Blessed day and Season, moment by moment.
peace,
Linda
November 28, 2014 at 7:51 pm
Thank you, Linda. The Guesthouse is an amazing poem from Rumi (from whom we receive so many bits of inspiration). Is there some bit of The Guesthouse that resonates with you in particular, or the whole thing together? So much of the ‘rampant consumerism’ that Crowing Crone mentioned is conditioned, so for any of us to pull back into a more balanced place is likely deep practice and perhaps with the ‘help’ of some radical, priority-shifting transformation experiences (at least that was the case for me)! So glad you stopped by and shared your thoughts, Linda.
Wishing you a blessed day and season, too (and moment by moment – what a great reminder!).
xoxo Love, Jamie
November 28, 2014 at 8:00 pm
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
I like the entire poem, but copied the section that most resonates with me now. I go to Rumi and others like him when I require some solace and guidance. My new mantra is that everything is conspiring in my favor and I think the Guesthouse beautifully illustrates this premise.
Namaste,
Linda
November 28, 2014 at 8:08 pm
God/dess, that is a moving bit of wisdom from the Fierce Lover (Rumi). Thanks for sharing it, Linda. It reminds me of a related reflection or meditation … not something formal, but more a theme that you reflect or meditate on … also from the Sufis. On being a “well-lit inn.” I can see the connection between that reflection and The Guesthouse. It’s really powerful, isn’t it? Thank you for the reminder!
Big Love,
Jamie
November 28, 2014 at 8:09 pm
p.s. Pronoia … everything is conspiring in your favor. That is related! 🙂