* SPOKEN WORD *
Daily expressions of gratitude are essential for good karma and mental health. I communicate my appreciation to The Universe but maybe you would rather the terminology be Mother Earth or God. Whatever title resonates well with you should be used.
I didn't always have this practice. Actually, It's fairly new to me. My favorite friend and teacher, Dehuel, recently and officially rubbed off on me. He expresses his gratitude daily before each meal. I've seen his practice for years but could never remember before it was too late. My food would be well within the digestion phase before I realized I forgot to say grace. I have a 99.9% success rate in the now and I'm very proud of me for this reality.
Grace always felt super weird to me. I've been around many people growing up who would not start a meal without a proper expression of gratitude. Sometimes I would be asked to participate and would find myself tongue-tied and embarrassed to the color of red.
You're welcome to borrow my grace if you too feel as awkward as I once did...
Thank you Universe for my countless blessings. Thank you for every soul that sacrificed to feed me. Please allow this food to digest well and to promote a lovely and productive day and a peaceful nights rest. Please protect those I care about most especially yourself Universe.
Should a specific person(s) cook for me and feed me I will be sure to include them in my grace. If I have a particular person that needs extra protection they too will be included at the end.
I typically eat three times a day unless I'm experimenting with Sustainable Fasting. I'm happy to report that the Universe hears from me at each meal and snack with that 99.9% success rate previously mentioned!
After a recent discourse with my teacher, Dehuel, on the topic of mental health, I was inspired to bring back my gratitude journal. I typically go through periods of excessive journaling followed by a lack of expression.
My grandmother, Syl Jean, recently turned 80 years young and for her birthday noted she wanted to purchase something nice for me. I found this request odd and interestingly kind. My grandmother has been a long time supporter of me journaling and placing a pen to paper to express myself to others. I'm not sure if she realizes but her 23 years (estimated) of encouragement in this department has always been appreciated even if I didn't quite understand how to express my gratitude to her in the past.
When I lived in Winter Park, Florida I met Mychal, owner of Iona Handcrafted Books, at a local arts festival in downtown. If you're in need of a beautiful, one-of-a-kind journal or photo album, you will not find a better crafter than Mychal, in my opinion. She is based out of Austin, Texas and ships worldwide. If you like to paint she has selections with watercolor paper, which is my personal favorite!
I'm sure you've guessed by now that my grandmother purchased me a one-of-a-kind journal with watercolor paper from Mychal for her 80th birthday present! It has an antique working lock from India that Mychal found on her worldly travels!
The leather Mychal uses in her craft is leftover from other industries, from bag and boot makers, and the paper is 100% recycled and hand-torn. Her works of art are true masterpieces.
Through Dehuel's yoga disquisition, grandmothers kindness, and the internet giving me access to Iona Handcrafted Books, I've been able to add evening journaling back into my routine. I conclude my evenings with written expressions of gratitude to the universe.
This daily focus on what we have to be thankful for changes the vibrations within our days and nights to be more positive and appreciative of our countless blessings that too often go unnoted.
If you too enjoy writing and the physical act of placing a pen to paper I would encourage you to initiate a gratitude journal daily as I have. If you like to watercolor paint also, writing on watercolor paper is a beautiful way to mix the art forms. I would urge you to checkout Mychal's website and consider supporting her small business to help ensure diversity within our business culture.
If you already have a journal tucked away, great. I hope my expressions encourage you to place your journal in the forefront of your life and focus daily on the brighter side!
*Did this expression add value to your life? Please consider donating to support in buying a symbolic cup of coffee! Thank you in advance for your contribution & generosity!
The law of attraction states, that what we focus on, we bring into our lives. I hope you too focus on your blessings daily to be sure you naturally attract more and more blessings!
Peace, Love, & Everlasting Protection!
Namaste,
Maggie Fekete, E-RYT, CHC, BCHHP
Nutritionist
Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher
Certified Health Coach
Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner
*Learn more about my background and offerings!