Words to the Wise: Sharing Life, Lessons, and Observations

Words to the Wise is a collection of stories, observations and insight drawn from my own experience both in the past and in the present, together with my perspective on what I may have learned in the process. Occasional poetry and astrological insights will be included when appropriate. I welcome comments, suggestions and thoughts of all kinds and am happy to respond.

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Expressing Gratitude for Small Blessings

          "Take nothing for granted." The complete stranger who spoke these words looked into my eyes; the elderly woman's expression was earnest. She told me several more things and then vanished into the crowd waiting in the vestibule of the Cathedral of St. John in New York. I was there to see a pageant I was to take part in at another time. Her words made a strong impression on me and some forty plus years later still have. I didn't make the connection then, but later I understood its application to the practice of gratitude.

          It's easy to acknowledge generous gifts with thanks. Gratitude for the larger things in life--good health, sufficient income, a happy family is more common. Most of us take much for granted, especially those things we rely on and use each day. Our small creature comforts too are easily ignored or remain unnoticed because we are busy or mentally preoccupied.

           It is more difficult then to remember to express thanks for those small, even relatively insignificant daily gifts common to our ordinary lives. When I step into my shower, I feel appreciative of the stream of warm water, and I am reminded of my friend who lived with cold showers for months until her electricity was restored. As I get into my comfortable cozy bed and slide under my clean sheets and feather quilt I am grateful, and I do say so in my heart.

          I rejoice over small blessings—a kind conversation with my daughter, the neighbor who offers to help me carry my groceries up the stairs or shovel the snow from my car, finding a book in the library by  a favorite author. Most are so preoccupied these days, it's difficult to stop and take time to remember how fortunate they are. In my many years of life I have learned to be glad for these small gifts and others that thread my daily life with comfort and joy. 

          I learned this from a friend almost thirty years ago. I overheard him saying "Thank you little (memory fails me as to what it was) and continuing to express his gratitude to several more objects. Now I thank my car for bringing me safely both to my destination and back home. I thank my computer for bringing me my email and functioning as my writing tool. Can seemingly "dumb" machines hear and appreciate? I don't know, yet I like to voice my appreciation and to treat my mechanical servants as nicely as if they were flesh and blood. It only seems fair.

          People who live in countries where the only water available must be carried from a well in the center of the village mightmight be grateful to be able to turn on a tap. Not so long ago anyone wanting a bath had to have the water heated on a stove or over a fire and hauled to a tub. Imagine having to hitch your horse to a wagon to go into town for groceries or walk miles carrying them home.  At this season we are reminded to be thankful. It is well to remember that gratitude needs to be an everyday practice.

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Practical mystic and poet Tasha Halpert writes a column called Heartwings Love Notes for a Joyous Life, as well as a monthly astrology column for the internet. She writes a weekly perspective column for the Grafton News called Good Earthkeeping.  Her poems and essays have appeared in Quest Magazine, For the Love of Life, Heart and Wings, The Unicorn, and other publications. She is staff poet and storyteller for the Unicorn, and a regular part of Granny Moon’s Morning Feast. Her book Heartwings: Love Notes for a Joyous Life is available; She has another in preparation: Up to my Neck in Lemons, as well as a poetry chapbook: Poems and Prayers. With her writings she hopes to be of help and comfort and perhaps even entertaining.  With her husband Stephen she lives in Grafton and is the mother of 5, grandmother of 7, and great grandmother of 2.  

Comments

  • Tyger
    Tyger Sunday, 25 November 2018

    What a fine concept!
    As a non-theist Pagan, I always assumed that gratitude required belief in a deity, but it is just as easy to say thank you to the things that bring us joy, knowing how inanimates respond to our magic. Thanks for this insight.

  • Mark Green
    Mark Green Sunday, 25 November 2018

    Yes! Gratitude is a human quality we can carry in our hearts, and in so doing, we enjoy our lives more, are happier, and appreciate those that provide what we're grateful for (whether or not they are able to receive or understand that gratitude). It's an essential attribute of a healthy and happy person, and that's why it's the third Atheopagan Principle.

  • Tasha Halpert
    Tasha Halpert Thursday, 29 November 2018

    You are both most kind and I appreciate the supportive words, warmest wishes, Tasha

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