“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.
Maria came over to me this morning while I was getting dressed. She looked tired and a little drawn, unusual for her. She said she had an idea. Would I like to spend Saturday quietly and differently, a day of quiet and reflection and gratitude?
The gratitude part stuck with me and the day began to form. Maria and I talked about it, making dinner on the back porch.
I thought this was a sweet idea. To sit and watch and listen. To each other, to the animals, the birds, chicks, flowers, and trees.
To appreciate each other and the other things I appreciate:
Maria.
The Amy Of Good.
Sue Silverstein and the refugee kids, the Mansion residents, and aides.
I appreciate my Amish friends for inspiring me to live a simpler and more gentle life. I appreciate Moise for our improbable friendship; we are the Odd Couple.
I appreciate an old and valued friend who just got some terrible news from the doctor accepting it and handling it with grace.
I appreciate surviving the pandemic and I honor those many who didn’t.
I appreciate my farm and every ounce of dirt, donkeys, sheep, and kitchens.
I appreciate our wonderful dogs Zinnia, Fate, and Bud, the Little King. Bud stands for never quit.
I appreciate all of the people who rose to fight for our democracy and the truth and who will do it again.
I appreciate the good doctors and nurses who have worked so hard to get me healthy and keep me healthy. I’m new to taking good care of myself, and they have helped me to do it.
I appreciate our gardens and our books, cameras, trees and flowers all around us, and the sparrows and robins and bluebirds.
I appreciate being alive, and writing on my blog, and taking pictures, and torturing assholes on social media.
Tomorrow, a simple day. Maybe sleep late or go out for breakfast and eat it in a park in the woods. Perhaps take a ride and get my favorite photograph of the Amish framed.
I want to sit and watch. I want to listen and think.
I appreciate my loyal and steadfast heart, who could get rid of me at any moment, but who doesn’t.
I appreciate life and its ups and downs, bumps and twists, and inevitable end.
I appreciate the work I am trying to do to be better, always better. One day, my darling, when you are praying up in heaven, you might look up to see if it’s me climbing the stairs.
Tomorrow is, of course, a brand new holiday (at least for most of us), Juneteenth. I don’t know if Maria’s inspiration had anything to do with it, but I’m intensely interested to see how recognition of this holiday evolves–if it will be just another excuse to set off fireworks and overindulge in eating & drinking, or if we’ll find a way to include something a bit more spiritual as it becomes an ingrained part of our culture. Of all people, you and Maria, I’m betting, will find creative and profound ways to mark it. Your plans sound like a great start.
Hi Jon (and Maria):
You may not have realized it, but you just described Shabbat, at least my version of it.
I am Jewish, but more spiritual than ritual. I try for this every Saturday. A day to disconnect somewhat and think and read and appreciate. I hope you enjoy your day.
Shabbat Shalom.
I love the word appreciate – it means that something has gained value. When we decide to appreciate anything, that thing does indeed gain value in our lives. To appreciate both sides – “good and bad,” is to be balanced. These are not lofty goals or ideas, but simple things we can do to alter our perspective and feel peace. That’s what I felt when I read this post, Jon – your peace.
Amen
I appreciate you Jon and I appreciate you Maria and what I learn and feel from each of you. Am crying as I write this.
thank you for this.Peace to you and Maria.
The solstice is used for this. A list of completions is also sometimes used. It’s tomorrow.
What a beautiful concept……to set aside a day to appreciate the many *blessings* in our lives. I believe as much as we all try to do this, our lives, work, chores and distractions……keep us from stopping to truly take in the appreciation aspect. Thank you for a lovely reminder that I too, need to set aside time to be appreciative!