A Fountain of Gratitude
Some days are so ridiculously blessed. Over the top abundant gratitude. Today was one of those days. It started with me waking up excited to start my day because I was so grateful to attend a curanderismo class. For those who don’t know, curanderismo is a traditional healing practice. I have been a member of a group of traditional healers for a few months now. Learning from curanderas, elders, herbalists, and many other healers. Every time we meet is such a blessing. I am so humbled to be part of this group and have the opportunity to learn from and alongside wholehearted gifted healers. My curanderismo journey actually began nine years ago when I first took this same curanderismo class. I learned so much. It was a heart-opening experience that led me to see a local curandera, Elena Avila, who saw me as a healer and with that mirror I saw myself in a whole new way.
Today I got to not only learn in this curanderismo class, but also be of service to Tonita Gonzales, the curandera who has welcomed me in to the group of traditional healers. The class began with a beautiful ceremony asking permission from the four directions to heal and to learn. Sharing hugs with strangers, the deepest most healing eye contact, singing together and touching the earth together. Not only was I so blessed to attend but I was also able to attend for free. In a moment of self-doubt earlier I didn’t feel worthy of this gift. Then gratitude reminded me to accept this gift, say thank you and continue to be thankful.
After the class was over I got a call that my sister, Maria, was in labor. I rushed over to the hospital and found that she had already had the baby. A beautiful, healthy boy named Paolo Nicolas. My sister is an OB-GYN doctor and we are all grateful that she is because Paolo was not willing to wait. He was born in the hospital elevator as my sister and her husband made their way to the labor and delivery unit. My sister delivered her own baby right into the hands of my brother-in-law! What a blessing to have the newest member of my family arrive healthy and happy in this most amazing way. Maria is doing well and Paolo is happily latching and feeding. He is beautiful in every way from his dark brown hair to his adorable bubble toes.
When we left the hospital my mom asked me to help her with an errand in Santa Fe. As we drove up we talked about curanderismo and she told me about my great grandmother who always made teas, poultices and other remedios. We called two of my great aunts and had the opportunity to learn from them and the family history of healing.
During our errand my mother surprised me by handing me a $100 bill; a belated birthday gift. And as if that wasn’t enough I came home to my girlfriend cooking a meal with her garden bounty of kale. Can you believe all of this? And I didn’t even share all of the gratitude that I experienced today. Who cares about the fountain of youth. I’d much rather experience an ever-flowing fountain of gratitude.
[su_quote cite=”Kahlil Gibran”]Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.[/su_quote]
This Week’s Gratitude Question
[su_button url=”http://www.ourgratitudecollective.com/activity/” background=”#178fb3″]What are you grateful for that lifts your heart?[/su_button]
My Gratitude Experience Last Week
I was feeling pretty emotional for my 40th birthday. Uneasiness, insecurity and lots of questioning. Part of the emotion spilled out when I got word that my parents might not be able to attend my party. I was sad thinking about that possibility. As a tear fell from my eye I looked up and saw the most intriguing pink sunset. It was one of those breathtaking moments that fully immersed me into the present. For a moment that sadness disappeared. Good thing too because I was worried for nothing. My parents celebrated my birthday afterall.
Forgotten Gratitude
Last week I was also grateful for the sweet orange dragonfly playing with us at the pool … A profound and unexpected experience of body awareness in community.
A New eCard
Image by Antonia Montoya
The Gratitude I Shared Last Week
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| Sun | 7/12/2015 | I’m grateful for overcoming resistance and bravely telling my story … A virgin piña colada, lots of laughs one in particular was so contagious, connecting with new people and doggies … Family hugs … The constant support of my partner in everything in every way. |
| Sat | 7/11/2015 | I’m grateful for not getting stuck in the mud … Adorable niece and nephew photos … The muse showing up in bits and pieces of inspiration and then fully showing up for writing time … I’m grateful for “I love you” text messages … I’m grateful to call it a night. Goodnight, moon. |
| Fri | 7/10/2015 | I’m grateful for slow dancing with my love … Being called out on my defensiveness … My dear sweet friend, Eva, abundant smiles and surrounded by love, my biggest supporter of all that I do … Dancing my butt off to the last song of the night. |
| Thu | 7/9/2015 | I’m grateful for an impromptu dinner with my mom and dad, nephew and niece … I’m grateful for a micro nap while relishing the sauna-like heat in my car … I’m grateful for the most emotive beautiful sweet painting of so much owl love … I’m grateful, it’s true. |
| Wed | 7/8/2015 | I’m grateful I was born and for my dad and especially my mom for making it happen. I’m grateful I’m still alive. I’m grateful for all the people I spend most of my time with, together to celebrate me. I’m grateful for an unexpected turn of events that led to quality time with my auntie Laura; sharing my visions for my future, laughing, licking roasted garlic off our fingers in a fine dining restaurant. I’m grateful for Nicole feeling better and being so patient with my craziness and supporting my every whim. I’m grateful for real wholehearted moments. I’m grateful for floating; suspended in relaxation. |
| Tue | 7/7/2015 | I’m grateful for my mom and dad helping me today and always, whenever I need it … I’m grateful for a pink sky to grip my attention when tears and sadness had a hold on me … I’m grateful for feeling loved. |
| Mon | 7/6/2015 | I’m grateful for gif distractions … Embracing silliness … A nice respite outside after the rain with my lady … A giant problem solved … Food delivery when I work till 9:30pm and that food being better than ever after a couple of bad experiences. |
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[su_note note_color=”#e7e7e7″ text_color=”#686767″ radius=”0″] My gratitude journey started in May 2011 and continues to this day. Thank you for being a part of it! A daily gratitude practice is simple. Write down three things you are grateful for each day. Download your free GratitudeGuide. My clients focus on gratitude and learn from their successes to make the positive changes they want in their lives. You can too. Call me to set up our first meeting 505.333.9336. [/su_note]