I remember back when I was a kid, my mom, an artist, made very creative Halloween costumes for us. Once I was the cookie monster, wearing a sheared mouton coat and looking out from the large grinning mouth with sock covered tennis ball eyes bobbing on top. I had a blast growling ‘cooookie’ non-stop!

In Mexico they’ll soon be celebrating the Day of the Dead, another costumed festival in which, among all the parties, the ancestors are feted. I often feel my mom’s presence and recall her childlike enjoyment of dressing up and family parties at times like this. I think I’ll cook her oven fried chicken recipe this weekend and get her favorite white daisies for the table.    

Rising Above Fear: Part of the Gratitude Path
by Frances Adamson

Gratitude practices are among the most powerful tools for healing, yet it’s important to allow your emotions full expression and not suppress them in times of difficulty.

A young friend on Facebook, let’s call her Anastasia, recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer, and the farthest thing from her mind is gratitude. “Why me?’ is what she quite naturally asks us.

Grief, fear and anger are natural reactions and emotions which must be allowed to have their due course and expression.

So called ‘negative emotions’ tell us that we’re in danger and we need to do something about our situation. If they’re repressed then it’s likely that they will affect our body and unconscious by causing ongoing stress. Instead we need to accept and deal with them in healthy ways.

It’s a catch 22, fear, anger, and resentment are not very useful in the face of modern tragedy like loss of our job, health, or loved ones through death or divorce. There is no reaction that will remove us from the danger, except to answer their call for us to seek help, process events mindfully and take action in our own time.

Anastasia reaches out to us for understanding and sympathy, and we respond. This is healthy, to seek comfort from friends, family, and get help from professionals too in times of personal tragedy.

The first feelings of gratitude may be relief that it’s not as bad for us as someone else we know.

I was moved by the account of Karen Blixen in her book ‘Out of Africa’, where she describes her experience of losing her farm. A friend of hers comes to visit for a few weeks, and the entire time the sentiment ‘thank god it’s not me’ was unspoken under the surface. Rather than feel resentment, Blixen understands, and is grateful that this friend isn’t losing her own farm which came close for her too.

At first Blixen was paralyzed by the tragedy, she felt responsible for losing the coffee farm and that all her tenants would have nowhere to live as the land was being turned into a suburb of Nairobi. Finally she rallies and spends her last months dealing with government officials until she secures land for all the people in a nearby conservation reserve.

Riding the waves of pain, fear and grief must ultimately lead us to whatever action can help. Gathering resources and educating ourselves to determine the best course of action moves us out of emotional inertia, reviving our hope and energy.

Calming and restoring body and mind, journaling and expressing gratitude are powerful tools to use when we are ready. Until that time, all feelings are valid and healthy.

Love, gratitude, and joy are feelings which support healing, and are important to cultivate, but ultimately, they are not emotions which are constant. As William Blake once wrote “Joy and Sorrow woven fine, clothing for the soul divine”.

For my friend Anastasia, I wish for her that in facing the tragedy of this illness she can be reborn and live according to what she wants and needs, releasing the beliefs that limit her. This will be a true cause for gratitude.

EVENTS
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NOVEMBER 18TH 
 Time-Out for a Better You Retreat Day

I'm excited to announce the next Retreat Day on Saturday November 18th. This is your chance to prioritize your well-being and immerse yourself in a transformative day dedicated to self-care and rejuvenation.

Imagine a serene day filled with invigorating yoga, a nourishing and delicious meal, and an opportunity to set powerful intentions for your overall well-being. Our carefully crafted retreat is all about providing you with the tools and support you need to alleviate stress, find balance, and rediscover joy.

Don't let this opportunity slip away, only a few spots left! Sign up now to secure your place and take that crucial step towards a more centered and revitalized you. Join us for a day that promises to leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to embrace life with renewed energy and clarity.

Click the link below to reserve your place and make this retreat an essential part of your wellness journey. 

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Let's get together November 18th for a day to remember!

GREAT GRATITUDE RESOURCE 
Gratitude Journal Prompts to Process Your Emotions

Here’s a great way to explore your emotions and break their hold on you and create more positive feelings like gratitude and love through journaling.

Reflect on a range of emotions you commonly experience; these can include both positive and negative emotions. Next make up a personalized and relatable name for how you’re feeling and then hold a conversation with them to understand why they are coming up and develop effective strategies for emotional well-being and self-care.

Here’s some ideas to get started with: Anxious Annie: Joyful Jake: Melancholy Millie: Curious Carl: Contented Clara: Frustrated Fred: Hopeful Hannah.

When you’re talking to these emotional personas, approach them with empathy and understanding. Acknowledge their presence and address their concerns or needs in a compassionate and supportive manner. Delve deeply into why these ‘personas’ feel and act the way they do.

This journal prompt fosters self-reflection and a deeper connection with your emotional landscape,  guiding you to delve into the underlying causes and implications of the emotions.

By creating personalized and relatable names for various emotions, you can foster ways to nurture positive emotions and effectively manage challenging ones in a playful and safe way.

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