Gratitude Journal

It has been a while (again) since I’ve posted on gratitude. It is amazing, when I think about it, how well the themes of my old vision board are coming through in life of late. But then this should not be surprising – if we take the laws of karma (or attraction) to be just that: laws.

In vision-boarding and gratitude-building, it is essential to touch on one’s core values. It may be difficult to discern just what those are, and they may even change somewhat as one matures, but these are the bright lights that will guide us through our dark nights and keep us humble in the limelight. Returning, then, to some of my core values today, I am grateful for:

1. family. I can think of no better teaching of support amidst flux than in the dynamics of my family. My sister’s star rises in Hollywood, my parents smile as retirement nears, my 89 year old paternal grandfather struggles with declining body and mind.
2. prosperity (or abundance). As much of the world struggles, I am fortunate to have amassed little of value (that could now be depreciating). I live frugally, have simple needs and minimal financial obligations. In fact in one way I can say I’ve gained in the crisis – as the UK pound tumbles in value against the dollar (don’t ask me how this is happening), my tuition fees effectively tumble too. Compared with November of last year (1 UKP = 2.11 USD) my bill will drop by as much as 20-25% – and when we’re talking in many thousands of dollars, this is certainly a nice side effect of the current crisis.

   On the other hand, such things don’t last. This week’s windfall is next year’s poverty. So our sangha has initiated a dana (generosity) drive that will work to cultivate the open hands and openning hearts of our members as well as to benefit our community at large. For now the plan is to bring in canned foods each week, but hopefully this will grow into ever-widening circles of community service, support and prosperity.

3. travel. Lately, and for quite a few months now, my travels have been restricted to my beautiful home state of Montana. And while I miss the wonders of UK/Europe, I have had a really great time simply getting to know my own back yard. I look forward to further growing my relationship with this state I call home.
4. spirituality. While I know I neglect other important aspects of my life (ph.d. studies!), I have found it necessary and rewarding to take regular time out several times a week for the sanghas of which I count myself as a member. In every day, in every meditation, we try to touch the depths of calm, awareness, compassion and wisdom and to bring that with us into the rest of our lives.
5. service. I am perhaps my own worst critic on this front, but I do want to do more. But where? How? I suppose the answer that resounds most is ‘teach’ which means finishing my studies and getting back in the classroom. Speaking out more/advocating for those with mental illness/disorder certainly has found its way into my life, but not in the same ‘calling’ sense that teaching/Buddhism has.
6. love. A new sense of discression prevents me from saying much about the current romance in my life, but we can say that all is well here – simple, slow-moving, and normal. I’m sure I will always be a romantic at heart, a believer in true love and life-long bonds, but for now lets just say I am being pragmatic, in-the-moment, happy, and grateful.

I should add that (in explanation of the photo here) last week I saw Ralph Nader with my dear friends Jen and Patia. Nader is a wonderful man, with passion and concern for ordinary citizens that is all too rare in American politics today. Both Jen and Patia sum up the experience and their views (which I happen to share) better than I could here. So give them a read, support Nader (and Obama!), and be sure to get out there and vote.