"All our wisdom is stored in the trees." - Santosh Kalwar
I had a rich call with some colleagues this morning. We meet once a month to check-in, sometimes exploring specific topics, sometimes just speaking to what we are sitting with at the moment. Today we were talking about conflict, how we deal with it, what we have learned from it, etc.
It’s easy for me to slip into “what I do wrong” with whatever the topic is. I could list six or seven ways I could “do better” when it comes to conflict. I tend to then file those self-criticisms in my internal folder of proof of how I’ve damaged my kids.
This morning, though, I notice myself not reaching to pull out that folder.
We all bring our shit to our relationships with our kids, and I don’t need to beat myself up (more than I already have) about it. My kids will grow up to have their own neurosis and issues, even if I work my tail off to clear up a lot of my own baggage.
It’s just how it works.
This thought feels freeing to me, and I feel grateful for it. I suspect that I have landed here, in fact, because of my work on gratitude over the past two weeks.
I have immersed myself in gratitude practices - including writing, meditating and praying. It feels like riding an inflatable raft down the river rather than trying to body surf. Things land more softly, I smile more, I appreciate things without having to remind myself to do so.
I’m realizing that gratitude is the photosynthesis of my psyche. It allows me to take what’s coming in from the world and break it down into the nourishment I need. I soak this nourishment up and, in turn, can offer something to the world and those around me.
What's something you are grateful for in this moment? What do you notice as you sit with that feeling of gratitude?
It’s easy for me to slip into “what I do wrong” with whatever the topic is. I could list six or seven ways I could “do better” when it comes to conflict. I tend to then file those self-criticisms in my internal folder of proof of how I’ve damaged my kids.
This morning, though, I notice myself not reaching to pull out that folder.
We all bring our shit to our relationships with our kids, and I don’t need to beat myself up (more than I already have) about it. My kids will grow up to have their own neurosis and issues, even if I work my tail off to clear up a lot of my own baggage.
It’s just how it works.
This thought feels freeing to me, and I feel grateful for it. I suspect that I have landed here, in fact, because of my work on gratitude over the past two weeks.
I have immersed myself in gratitude practices - including writing, meditating and praying. It feels like riding an inflatable raft down the river rather than trying to body surf. Things land more softly, I smile more, I appreciate things without having to remind myself to do so.
I’m realizing that gratitude is the photosynthesis of my psyche. It allows me to take what’s coming in from the world and break it down into the nourishment I need. I soak this nourishment up and, in turn, can offer something to the world and those around me.
What's something you are grateful for in this moment? What do you notice as you sit with that feeling of gratitude?
 | Jessica Curtis is a professional coach who helps people cultivate intention and live from a place of meaning and authenticity. If you think you could benefit from working with Jessica or want to invite her to work with your group, reach out to start a conversation. |
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