Foundation. Roots. Creation. Connection within Gratitude. Awe. Wow! Peak. Humility. Glory.
I’m happy to say that I got my miracle! I was right - the plague has not miraculously ended, alas. However, having set such a clear kavannah - intention - for myself for the day, I managed to greet every fit of pique my teenager threw my way with equanimity. And there were more than a few. I’m sure I’ll have more human days in the future, but I’ll take the miracles with Gratitude where I can get them!
And speaking of Gratitude… When I see Foundation in Gratitude, I can only think that that is the basic story of my spiritual practice. Pretty much the first spiritual practice I was given - long before I met and fell in love with Jewish practice - was Gratitude. I was told to ask for help and give thanks. Day in, day out. My spiritual life truly has its Foundation in Gratitude.
Within a Space of Gratitude, it is possible to maintain a Foundation. When I practice Gratitude, it leads to a gentle place of serenity, in which I feel quite steady, Grounded, like I can draw wisdom straight up from the earth through my Roots.
Gratitude, in my experience, also cultivates a sense of Awe. When I take a moment to give thanks, I stop to think that this life really is a collaboration with unseen goodness, with my Foundation.
Yehudim - the Thanking People. Is it any surprise that the first words we are to utter each morning, at first awareness are, “Modah ani lifanecha!” I am Grateful before You, living and sustaining Guiding Source! We are told to offer 100 brachas - blessings - each day. Take 100 opportunities to give thanks and acknowledge the Foundation of the whole thing.
Having been so firmly Rooted in Gratitude, it was not a huge leap to embrace what I found in Jewish spirituality. I am Grateful that I did.
For what are you Grateful today? Where do your Foundations in Gratitude lie? May the moments you take to acknowledge Creation lead you to moments of Awe!