November 7

GRATITUDE MONTH: DAY 7: “Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh
I love walking! If anyone ever doubts it, you should hang out with me. Sometimes I wish I could fly, but I am SO grateful for my feet and legs and toes and balance that allows me to walk!
And nearly all the time, you will see me walking barefoot whenever I can. My feet love to be outside, on the beach, climbing on rocks, whatever they get to do. I am SO grateful for my feet on the Earth. And this amazing marble we live on is so beautiful that I very often cry, just thinking about it.
Now, I admit, I am spoiled to live at the beach… the ocean is my greatest friend… and walking near her is the most peaceful I ever get, unless I get to be on a boat on the ocean. That is my Zen place. I go into a trance. The water makes me feel cradled and safe.
It is not uncommon for me to walk down the beach singing “Oh, thank you God! Oh, thank you God!” (Most of you know this song!) as I go. Sometimes out loud, but it is always my song on the beach. Because I am finding rocks and shells and seaweed and sea glass and treasures all around me. One day I found hundreds and hundreds of sand dollars! I was SO rich!
Most of us do not think about walking, it is simply something we do. It is my favorite mode of transportation… really. And I bless my feet and legs and body parts every day. I also bless this amazing planet, because she is the most wonderful Mother I will ever have.
I love to walk mindfully. I was gifted with learning to walk through the forest without disturbing the leaves or path by my first Medicine teacher. We spent several weeks in the Uinta mountains and I learned to walk and leave no trace. That is the highest regard for this Mother. To leave her as pristine as I found her. I can do that.
These days, and, actually, since that time, I have learned to also clean up what others have left behind. I am not too proud or good to pick up trash. I do it all the time. This is my Mother, my planet, and I will always take the best care of her I can.
Learning to love and appreciate those things I have means that I take exquisite care of them. They may not be the flavor, size, color or model I would like to have; but they are mine today. I must show my gratitude and love by caring for them well. Most of my friends know that I take great care of my car, my home, and my belongings. I also take great care of the animals, environment, and other people I encounter. I believe that is how my gratitude walks about here.
So, I am going to put feet on my gratitude today and take it out walking with me. I hope to see you out there, doing the same thing! Peace