Gratitude... how many of us still carry it within?
It shows up here and there, fragile, delicate, and disappears before we even realize it's there.
Why?
I think we're too busy to stop, to notice what we're feeling. We're always rushing. We don't stop.
What are you feeling right now? Do you still remember what it's like to just sit, simply sit and see what you're feeling?
So many things arise within us, but as they appear, they slip away. We don't name them. Yet we're experts at saying: I'm upset, I'm sad, I'm angry, I'm irritated, I'm... every kind of negative emotion.
Rarely do I hear: I'm well, I'm happy, I'm content, I'm fulfilled, I'm grateful, I'm at peace.
We barely remember that we simply are, because most of the time we're pulled into unconsciousness and the chase for SOMETHING. It doesn't even matter what. There's always SOMETHING. We want something, we dream, we hope, we search for SOMETHING.
But right here, right now... how is it?
I'm talking about myself, not you. No, heaven forbid. Everyone tends their own garden. I'm only sharing what I notice around me.
Everyone complains about something. Rarely do I hear people celebrating that life is good.
But when I hear someone say they're doing well, my heart grows.
It's as if I'm doing well too.
To hear, to see that someone is truly okay, is a beautiful feeling for me. Because I know that person has struggled too. They've had hard days. And now they deserve to enjoy life for a moment, to stop running, to take a pause and savor what is.
Because forgetfulness will probably return. The complaints will return too.
But right now, for a little while, they're okay.
To me, that's what it means to see yourself in the person standing next to you.
If I'm well today, it's because yesterday I cried too. I lost myself too. I chased wild dreams and impossible things, until I realized that I don't want anything anymore, and that what I already have is enough.
That's all.
It's good.
A pause to savor what is.
No dreams, no hopes, no longing... because all of those come from a sense of lack.
Come, sit with me for a moment.
Just sit.
Tomorrow may not be here.
But right now, we are.