Dexter stands behind the lilac bushes, blending in with the colors of winter. The branches are bare and gray, some with tight honey colored buds at their tips, and some still holding golden brown clusters of dried seed pods. The ground is covered in dirt, mulch, and dead leaves in various shades of color ranging from brown to black, some dry as dust and others wet and slimy. The fence behind him is faded and weathered but still standing, just like him.
This post started as a mashup of The Little Bliss List and Joy Jam, and as such is meant to celebrate: the little things that brought me hope and happiness this week, the sweet stuff of life, those small gifts that brought me joy this week. By sharing them, I not only make public my gratitude, but maybe also help you notice your own good stuff and send some positive energy out into the world.
1. Running. You heard that right, and no this isn’t a joke. I am grateful that I am alive, healthy, and my body is up for it.
2. Clarity. About the help I need, about where to focus my energy, time, effort. I had an awesome coaching session with Andrea Scher this week, and her ability to see, her compassionate and clear vision, always surprises me, touches me, inspires me.
3. Good things happening to good people. People who have been working, trying so hard, suffering and struggling and loving as big as they can stretch, people who deserve it, people I love, people who inspire and support me.
4. Sleep. I’d like even more of it, but I’m grateful for the rest I do get, and that it’s usually easy for me, there’s no struggle involved, that I can surrender to it.
5. Laughing with Eric. Only he’ll understand this, but this one is for you, Mr. Salahub: “This is designed to hurt. This is designed to hurt.” I’m so lucky we find the same things funny, can so easily make each other laugh.
Bonus Joy: Another week with Dexter. This time has taught me so much about being present, about gentleness and play, about love.
Open Space Practice, (AKA: A Thousand Shades of Gray) 