for many years now, i have been joining michelle gd for some of her just five things offerings. for a week or two, michelle offers prompts, some thoughts, sometimes an essay or a poem or a quote, as a jumping-off point for some journaling. she also hosts a classroom space where those who are participating can share the lists they write and have a conversation around the prompt . . . it is really a wonderful thought exercise, and a welcome place to connect over thoughts and ideas that invite empathy, joy, perspective, reflection . . .
i used to struggle to get to five things with michelle's lists. often, three or four felt right to me.
now, i love the five.
but today, i made a list of six and one of seven . . . hmmmm . . .
upon first seeing the word calm this morning,
i wrote this first list:
- the way i feel these mornings when i take an extra hour before i go in to work
- doing house chores at my own pace . . . the sound of the washing machine, the satisfaction of clean surfaces, the welcome of plumped pillows and freshly made beds . . .
- walking --- by the river or up in the wooded buttes or through the woods or over the prairie
- being on - or in - the water
- brushing sage through my fingers. pressing my nose to the bark of a ponderosa. holding a rock - this one, then that one - finding the one that fits my hand.
- lighting incense or palo santo or a candle
then i read michelle's note . . . and jotted some of it in my journal . . . and then wrote
presence (as the starting point, and stemming from what presence feels like to me . . .
peace
calm
mindful attention
intention
spaciousness
abundance
thank you, michelle, for your invitation into calm.
and thank you to everyone who has shared their lists. i love the thought exercise and the connection of sitting with you in your thoughts, too.
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joining michelle and company, taking a holiday pause, making lists