30 Days of Gratitude, Day 2

I realize that discipline does not come easy for me. Especially anything that requires a regime, or a calculated act on an regular, ongoing basis. So now, on day 2, that the "whim" of committing to an ongoing 30 day practice like this is just starting to loose it's original zest, I step back and appreciate the public accountability of doing a blog :) .

Don't get me wrong. It's not about me not being grateful today. I was. Today one of my best friends in the whole world came to visit me at my work which is located in "The Stix", just outside of Spokane. I took her on an incredible hike in a wetland refuge walkable from my "office" and was able to share with her my sanctuary that I can retreat to for my lunchtime walks. Here I find beauty that I would only expect to find after a day long hike in the wild, but this is just a 15 minute jaunt away from the daily grind. Rich wetlands filled with wildlife and a quiet that penetrates my busy work mind. I have developed a practice/ritual here and I feel guilty about it, partly because of my Calvin (WASP) Roots (I am prone to guilt much too easily, but, I have to cut myself some slack, considering my last name "Calvin" and the fact that my dad is actually named "John"). Anyway, this is my ritual: I give it all to the trees. Yep, some *might* call me a LITTERBUG. I send away my grief, my anxiety, my irritation of the day...and the trees catch them, branches reaching out, strong and vibrant, ready to take each complaint, without expectation. Thank you TREES! I am so grateful to you.

I am also grateful to my friend Margaret. She is my friend who knows my soul by who I have read, where I have traveled, and the work that I choose. She let's me be who I am without judging me....though if she has a bone to pick, she will tell me. She has made living in Spokane so much better! She has loved a good friend who I love (and set her up with ) with integrity. She has taught me how to become more pragmatic. She has challenges me to dream. She is honest with who she is and will engage in a fight with me, but also engage in resolution. I love you Madje!

But back to my hesitancy to the regime, the routine, to any sacred practice that can be reduced to a calendar. Today, I think I will do my Daily Grateful Post by making each one an altar of passionate gratefulness!