Gratitude

We have all heard about the laws of attraction - like attracts like. The common understanding is often accompanied by the misguided notion that positive thinking will get you everything you desire. Most forget that the equation first requires gratitude, which must go far beyond affirmations; it is appreciating your current situation without fear or anxiety about the future.

This doesn't mean you can't aspire to change or improved conditions for yourself and your family - it simply means that by expressing thanks, you honor the here and now with a profound knowing that within your gratitude (and intentional, hopeful cultivation) comes the next brilliant opportunity.

Several years ago, I met a woman who soon became a mentor and a second mother. (She was the same age as my mother, only one month older.) She was one of those wise elders who exuded calmness, warmth, kindness, and insight. She habitually declared an "attitude of gratitude" to describe her emotional being. Which, for her, was more than a catchphrase. She lived in deep gratitude every day.

I often wondered how she came to this enlightened place of peace, acceptance, and appreciation. Even though, by most standards, her life had not been easy. She didn't have much materially and was forced to retire early with severe back issues after several surgeries. Additionally, after caring for her mother until her death, she had no biological family except an estranged brother.

I believe, in part, it was because she was brilliantly, insatiably curious, with several advanced degrees, including music, education, and library science. Additionally, beyond her formal education, she explored and researched new things as effortlessly as she breathed. Because of her life-long love of learning, she was regularly engaged with new ideas and innovations, which meant she was an early adopter of scientific advancements including computers and technology. She understood that knowledge is power and her concern was always for the greater good.

Sadly, she developed dementia in her 70s. This diagnosis seemed unfairly devastating for someone with a mind as razor sharp as hers - but even then, though frustrated, she retained her core attitude of thankfulness. As it became clear she could not safely live alone, a lifelong friend packed up her belongings, sold her house, and moved her back to her birthplace on Long Island, where she was one of the many souls who passed from COVID during the early days of the pandemic in a nursing home.

I miss her dearly. She innately understood the philosophy of Deep Root Center and was one of our first champions. However, her lived gratitude, generosity, love for life, and unquenchable curiosity will be the gifts I hold most dear; they will forever guide me through mine. 

DRC News

The DRC Canton crew hosted a Thanksgiving feast for their families on Tuesday, with many of our kids contributing to its preparation. Our kitchen adventures are always tasty.

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Sending out gratitude to everyone who has supported DRC this past year.

And our very best wishes for safe travels to everyone returning home from visiting loved ones this weekend!

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