I am currently preparing for the next round of an online postgraduate course that I teach at Tallinn University, Estonia, called Gratitude in Practice. I have recently met the tutor who will be working with me on the course this time, Karyna. She is a Ukrainian refugee who is now living in Estonia, and doing her PhD on how Ukrainian children are faring in Estonian schools. But the horrors of the war from which she has escaped are ever-present, as well as the anguish she feels for her family and other loved ones who are still living in Kyiv.
“So the wiser place to look for gratitude is where we can find it. Easily.”
Your reflections are meaningful and hold important distinctions for us all to consider about not discounting gratitude practice in the midst of horrific situations that seem unconscionable. I learned a lot from your thoughts in this piece.
There is a global feeling of anxiety about the future of our planet and life can seem overwhelmingly difficult at times.
However, by regularly acknowledging each positive aspect in our daily lives with expressions of gratitude, we can help to change the negative energy that surrounds us.
I love this piece as it shows how the brain may be getting mixed messages at once telling us we should protect the body and stop what we have involved ourselves in while feeling the need to press through the pain to go beyond it to achieve success or engage in a brave action.
Leaders show courage in adversity and we can learn much from understanding the place of will power as shown by sports hero’s including Kenyan Kipchoge, a champion runner who feels the pain of blisters and smiles to keep going on to win his marathon.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this journey my troubles a behind me.
Thank you for this essay which I could relate to...and which offers contemplation on the tough issues off accepting what is and then figuring out how to move forward without resentment...or with permission to feel that too. I appreciate you.
This is so opportune, and wonderfully expressed Kerry. It was certainly a light bulb moment for me. I’m struggling with the state of the world but am finding solace in nature. Also I’m much more aware of actions of kindness -both receiving and giving -within my sphere. This gratitude is heightened because of what is happening in the wider world. Some simple kindness directed at me can make me teary at the moment, and but also heightens my awareness of going out of my way to be especially kind to others.
Thanks so much Lou. I'm delighted that my piece resonated with you. Yes, what is happening in the world is indeed a reminder to be kind to others and give as a heightened sense of other's kindness. At least we are able to respond with something - and it all counts.
Thanks Kerry, a very timely piece as many of us are feeling anxious about the future in light of the American election result. I think many, including me, are finding solace, and subsequent gratitude, in the beauty of the nature around us, and the relative nurturance we have in a comparatively caring culture and democracy. The solace and gratitude doesn’t compensate for the bigger concern but it does help cope with the anxiety.
Thank you Dr Kerry for your essay.
“So the wiser place to look for gratitude is where we can find it. Easily.”
Your reflections are meaningful and hold important distinctions for us all to consider about not discounting gratitude practice in the midst of horrific situations that seem unconscionable. I learned a lot from your thoughts in this piece.
Thanks for this post Kerry. Like others I am finding a lot of my gratitude in nature during these troubling times.
Thanks Lee, yes nature is a wonderful source of comfort isn't it?
There is a global feeling of anxiety about the future of our planet and life can seem overwhelmingly difficult at times.
However, by regularly acknowledging each positive aspect in our daily lives with expressions of gratitude, we can help to change the negative energy that surrounds us.
…Thanks Kerry
Thanks Les, I am so pleased to read that these thoughts resonated with you at this very overwhelming time for so many.
I love this piece as it shows how the brain may be getting mixed messages at once telling us we should protect the body and stop what we have involved ourselves in while feeling the need to press through the pain to go beyond it to achieve success or engage in a brave action.
Leaders show courage in adversity and we can learn much from understanding the place of will power as shown by sports hero’s including Kenyan Kipchoge, a champion runner who feels the pain of blisters and smiles to keep going on to win his marathon.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this journey my troubles a behind me.
Thanks so much for your thoughts here Susan and I am glad my piece resonated with you.
Thank you for this essay which I could relate to...and which offers contemplation on the tough issues off accepting what is and then figuring out how to move forward without resentment...or with permission to feel that too. I appreciate you.
I appreciate you beautiful Helene, and the magnificent work you do to help those who you support to move forward. I am glad you could relate to this.
This is so opportune, and wonderfully expressed Kerry. It was certainly a light bulb moment for me. I’m struggling with the state of the world but am finding solace in nature. Also I’m much more aware of actions of kindness -both receiving and giving -within my sphere. This gratitude is heightened because of what is happening in the wider world. Some simple kindness directed at me can make me teary at the moment, and but also heightens my awareness of going out of my way to be especially kind to others.
Thanks so much Lou. I'm delighted that my piece resonated with you. Yes, what is happening in the world is indeed a reminder to be kind to others and give as a heightened sense of other's kindness. At least we are able to respond with something - and it all counts.
Thanks Kerry, a very timely piece as many of us are feeling anxious about the future in light of the American election result. I think many, including me, are finding solace, and subsequent gratitude, in the beauty of the nature around us, and the relative nurturance we have in a comparatively caring culture and democracy. The solace and gratitude doesn’t compensate for the bigger concern but it does help cope with the anxiety.
Thanks Anna. yes, these are wonderful sources of gratitude aren't they. The challenge is often to keep our gratitude centre stage
I felt like that but the. Discovered Trump’s biographer Woodward & feel more hopeful