I woke up feeling especially grateful to be part of this community, for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people in such a unique way, and for the positive impact CC has had on my life, and I want to pay it forward.
Throughout the pandemic, I’ve struggled a lot (as many have) with compounding negative thoughts, more than ever before. With every passing day and every chance to practice it, I’ve come to really appreciate the challenge of confronting these negative thoughts head-on and see them instead as opportunities to express gratitude. Starving the negativity of its power and giving myself the gift of balance has been life changing. This is not to minimize or oversimplify mental illness or treatment, but from my perspective as someone who has struggled with mental illness for over a quarter of a century, this daily practice has strengthened me.
With all that said, I’d like to open this space to all of us for expressions of gratitude and reflections on the good, the silver linings, unintended positive consequences. Being grateful for the rainstorm that quenches the earth rather than only being annoyed that your hair is getting wet. This is a chance to sit with potential discomfort and divine strength from it. If you’re thinking “I can’t do this,” then sit for a little longer. You can do this. It gets easier with practice.