Journey to zen

I was writing in my gratitude journal this morning and after doing so, I glanced back at some of the previous entries.  I made mental note that there were several things I had repeated more than once or twice.  Of course I am grateful for my family and friends and I repeat that often in one entry or another but I noticed the artwork that I had gleefully penned beside some of the entries.

Small things like, I am grateful for the little tin Angel that someone I’ve never met in person so graciously sent to me (smiley face).  I’m grateful for a moon stone given to me by the sister of one of my best friends who has passed on (hearts).  Every time I look at that stone I can’t help but smile about all the good times we shared.  I miss him immensely but somehow I still feel connected through something as simple as a little stone.  I am grateful for a card that showed up in the mail from my second Mom for no reason other than to say she loves me and that I’m appreciated(daisies and butterflies). I am grateful for a birthday card that my youngest brother sent to me a couple of years ago that had a hand written note that reduced me to tears in a matter of seconds (hearts).  I will never ever throw that card away.  The artwork beside those entries remind me of how I was feeling in that very moment.

For this Yogini, it isn’t the Armani suits, Dooney Bourke handbags, or grand gestures that cost lots of money. It’s picking up the phone to say I’m thinking of you.  It’s sending a hand written note or making someone laugh when they are down.  It’s an email that just contains a smiley face. It’s answering my phone and hearing my Granddaughter’s little voice on the other end saying “I love you Grandma” “I wanna come to you house”.   Little things do count and if you have doubts, just reflect back on how you felt when someone said something kind or offered to make you a cup of tea or handed you a plate of home made cookies.  One of the dearest friends I have, calls me often just to say “I love you, bye”.  In less than 10 seconds, she can make my day.  On my journey to zen, I have realized that I prefer to give the little things and I hope that the recipient of that small little gift gleans as much happiness from receiving it as I have in giving it.  My hope is that I am an entry in several gratitude journals for that is something I can add to my list of what I’m grateful for.  It’s the little things that mean the most, so today give away a kind word, a smile, a little note or a hug.  Lift someone’s heart just because and I can guarantee that your heart will also be lifted.

Namaste

Yogini Kp