Sofia Speaks: The Complex Simplicity of Life

Introduction :
Time spent in gardens like these, surrounded by the richness and beauty of the natural world, has a way of unlocking gratitude within us. Today’s stroll invites you to give thanks for even the smallest-seeming blessings and to consider how you might practice and express gratitude in your daily life. (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens.”, Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 80). 

PAUSE 1
Depending upon the weather, the tree canopy covering the Azalea Garden can make the space feel dim, even murky. But the light that filters through the foliage illuminates beautiful intricacies all around: the geometry of each fluttering leaf, the texture of gently peeling bark. Think about how you might expand your awareness to the gifts in your life, enabling you to account not only for any darkness but also for what is remarkable and good. (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens.”, Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 80).

Journal Entry 1
I can expand my awareness and the gifts in my life by thinking about the journey and special moments without focusing on the negative. 

Update to Journal Entry 1
I am receiving this prompt as it’s asking to slow down and focus on the present. For me, prior to my awakening, I found myself in autopilot. Just head down, setting goals, working through them, distracting myself with celebrity gossip, ignoring my true feeling and dealing with life as it came. I try to no longer live my life that way. I slow down and focus on what brings me joy, what I’m grateful for, what I can improve on, and ways that I can be better. Perfection is never the goal; however, acknowledgment, accountability, adjustment, and action are now my main focus. 

PAUSE 2
During difficult times, it may take special effort to practice gratitude. Start small, perhaps with a few minutes of mindfulness. As you take in the depth of the colors and the play of light on the shrubs and trees around you, the sensation of the air on your skin, ask yourself what you appreciate about being here, in this garden at this moment. (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens.”, Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 80). 

Journal Entry 2
I appreciate the sun on my skin, the bold color of the green in the trees and the light peeking through the branches.

Update to Journal Entry 2
The first time I heard about gratitude was from Oprah. She mentioned during an interview the importance of practicing gratitude daily. That was years ago, and although it stuck with me, I never gave it a try until lately. Although I don’t practice gratitude daily, I do wake up happy and excited for the day. I have certain rituals that I practice daily, and I’ve been meaning to incorporate gratitude in that practice. For instance, in the morning, when I’m in the bathroom getting ready for the day. I pour water into my oil diffuser and put drops of rosemary and lemon essential oil into the water. I then light the tea light, and while I’m lighting the tea light, I can challenge myself to say out loud what I’m grateful for. I have several oil diffusers throughout my home, and I light them throughout the day at least three times a day. As I’m writing this, it’s actually a perfect time for me to take a moment, pause, and think about what I’m grateful for in that moment. 

PAUSE 3
Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves…All is a miracle. Contemplate the miracles you don’t always recognize but in which you are engaged every day. (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens.”, Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 81).

Journal Entry 3
The miracle of life. Love and a new day. A chance to start over. 

Update to Journal Entry 3
Thich Nhat Hanh’s quote is extremely profound, and I agree. I personally don’t appreciate the small things in life as much as I should. But the miracle of life is something that I should really slow down and take in. When I take walks around my neighborhood, I have the ability to recognize the miracles of the earth. I look at bugs, butterflies, and the sky. I enjoy the warm sun on my skin and the trees. I find myself marveling at the miracle of life when I’m in nature.   

PAUSE 4
The sheer lushness of the Azalea Garden inspires gratitude. Even when the azaleas are not in bloom, the ferns, witch-hazel, and evergreens seem to offer their abundance to us as a gift. Ensconced in this verdant haven, take a moment to reflect on the words of author Melody Beattie, who wrote, Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens.”, Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 81). 

Journal Entry 4
I will try to take time out of my day to be thankful and to express gratitude. 

Update to Journal Entry 4

I think when you make gratitude a daily practice, it trains your brain to think about the positive things life brings you daily. I really want to start practicing gratitude daily and witness the fullness it brings to my life. I’m already a pretty happy person, so this practice will really help to amplify my joy. 

PAUSE 5
Think back on your day thus far and finish the following sentence: “Today I am grateful for ___________.” How might you express this gratitude? Consider how you could show appreciation in the different areas of your life, from the people for whom you are thankful, to the earth, your community, and the large world around you.  (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens.”, Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 81).

Journal Entry 5
Today I am thankful for life. I can practice gratitude by being kind and honest with people.

Update to Journal Entry 5
Today I am grateful for my alone time. As I’m writing this piece, it’s currently Memorial Day weekend. I have been off work since Friday, and it’s my son’s weekend to spend time with this Father. Because of this, I have had the time and space to be alone with myself. I have been able to cook, clean, watch interviews, replant my plants, listen to music, take a bath, write two articles, and NAP! Baby, I had a time! Although I truly miss my son and have the urge to Facetime him, I force myself not to infringe upon his time with his dad. And to embrace the new dynamic of our family and be okay with taking time for myself and being alone. It has been a process for me, especially since the loss of my dog Coka. I can say this is the first time in my life that I’ve truly been alone with just myself. Now, although I had been with my ex for 20 years, I do recall that even with him, I felt lonely a lot. It’s the same feeling I had in my childhood. 

PAUSE 6
During your strolls thus far you have reflected on the adage happiness comes from within and identified some basic ways to bring joy into your daily life, from staying present in the moment to “taking time to smell the roses,” even if only for a few minutes each day. Commit to bringing gratitude into your routine as well, whether through a brief mindfulness practice, small acts of kindness, or keeping a journal of what you feel grateful for. (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens.”, Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 81).

Journal Entry 6
I will try to take time out of my day to be thankful and to express gratitude.

Update to Journal Entry 6
While writing this article, I found a way that I can incorporate gratitude into my daily life through practices that I already have. I’m excited to challenge myself to practice gratitude daily as well as enjoy the transformation it brings in my life. I’ll keep you posted.