Much is written about gratitude, suggesting it is in short supply. Despite that, you might have missed a few things.
Consider these:
QUIET: Drive into the country after dark — a spot away from industry. Pull over and listen to the silence.
A SAFE AND SECURE RESIDENCE: Find a poor neighborhood and observe the pitiful dwellings in which others survive. Stop close to a viaduct and witness the makeshift shelters there. Indeed, you might go to a homeless shelter to see what limited accommodations offer a temporary step up.
Perhaps you will wonder, “How can I help?” They are people, and they work to scratch out a living. I describe my encounters with one at the above link.
A CLEAR BLUE SKY ON A CLOUDLESS DAY: A short trip to the Great Lakes, a desert, or the ocean should do the job. Stay long enough to see the stars unobscured by the clouds, air pollution, or city lights.
FARM ANIMALS: We force these unsuspecting creatures to give their lives so we can eat their flesh, like a sacrifice to a god in antiquity. The cattle, pigs, and lambs have not harmed us, but some are fattened in cages with little space to move. Their fate in slaughterhouses would appall you. Consider dietary alternatives.
TIME: Most of us believe we value time and appreciate it if someone gives us their time. Do we?
What about wasting time? Think of mindless entertainment intended to distract us or political TV and podcasts designed more to enrage or deceive than inform.
Talk to seniors. They think of time differently and often plan their lives mindful of the sand running out of the hourglass. Buy one and see — the hourglass, I mean!
INVENTIONS: An enormous number of machines are taken for granted. These include Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press. Its commercial use began in 1454. His creation permitted books, such as the Bible, to eventually be read by ordinary people, not by someone else who gave sermons on what he believed necessary and not what he thought best to ignore.
FRIENDSHIP: Do not just think about your love for your friends; tell them at the next opportunity. No texting, but, if possible, face to face.
TRAINS, PLANES, AND AUTOMOBILES: A horse might transport a rider less than 100 miles daily. Plan your week around walking or riding a bicycle to become more grateful for contemporary transportation.
MORE ABOUT BOOKS: Set aside reading anything to experience a life without the great works of authors, living or dead. Alternatively, read Ray Brabury’s 1953 novel Fahrenheit 451 or watch the movie of the same name. The tale is about book burning,
Either of us could have created an almost endless list of the benefits life has allowed us, including existence itself. Life is a contingent condition. No guarantee of our birth was offered to our parents or relatives. Our existence and survival were dependent upon much else.
The egg that carried half of your DNA might not have been fertilized if there was heavy traffic, bad weather, a head cold, a presentation you had to give the next day, different music playing, or the wrong cologne or perfume.
You were born in one place, at one time, in one country, to the only two individuals who could have given you life. If all your other ancestors hadn’t mated when and under the conditions they did, your mom and dad wouldn’t have existed either.
You are reading the essay I wrote in the last couple of days. Even that wasn’t guaranteed.
But for the grace of God, the universe, or the randomness of things, don’t take anything for granted. Every moment is precious if we make it so.
==========
The top photo is Sunrise, Italian Dolomites, late October 2022. It is followed by Three Carmine Bee-eaters at Lake Langano, Ethiopia, in October 2023. Both are the work of the superb photographic artist Laura Hedien, with her permission: Laura Hedien Official Website.
Strange caro dottor Stein how your today’s post leaves me plunged between despair and hope…
And it’s no hasard I wrote first: “despair”…
I did not expect a new post from you after the intense one of few days ago.
And this morning, here, a new one.
And this one makes me feel sad exhausted from these infinite struggles which are mine, our everyday destiny, duty…
Of course I perfectly know from where my sadness and fatigue come…my Baptiste, his inexorable silence, his unbearable incapacity to walk to me, even to make a first step.
Four months, now, I must cope with quotidian sadness and solitude.
Rare moments of I tense grace…
But I am the one who makes the first step.
I will fight, of course, and already in few minutes, already after having written my comment to your words.
Yes, to constantly oscillate between grace and gratitude, and solitude and despair, is no easy task… ma non
Of course I see other human beings’ solitude and despair: “my” oldies in their oldies-homes, roaring, crying “mamma!” like infants, I see tears I my lover’s eyes, I deeply pity him because of death of the robin he saved from a cat’s paw and who was entering his kitchen every day and confidently flying on his hair (!).
Robin has disappeared.
The cat probably killed him.
Of course my heart aches in simply imagining the sufferings of animals we imprison and kill often with violnce, inhumanity, villainy, to eat.
I personally abandoned meat as a teenager, but still cook fish, eggs. And if guest somewhere will eat meat.
Grace and gratitude will be present in my heart right now, when clicking on the “send”- button!
Grazie di cuore, amico dottor Stein.
No oceans separating me from Rabbi Nachman of Breslau (1772-1810) just centuries.
But everyday this saint man untiringly is holding my hand!
I just opened my little book and here I read:
“The world’s Architect never makes a same thing twice.
Every day is a totally new creation.
Enjoy as much as possible anything everyday comes to offer to you.”
I shall respond here to both of your comments, Micaela. I know you have been struggling at times and am sorry the weight of my post was not opportune. Your faith is both remarkable and sustaining. I am glad it is always near to you and inside you. Be well.
Oh my…what a “last line”, Dr. Stein. Take nothing for granted. Yes. Thank you. ❤️
Thank you, Vicki. While routine allows us to get through the day, we also need intensity and awareness of what makes life and makes it worth living. Simple but complicated, I suppose. With all good wishes to you, Vicki.
Heartfelt, for sure. Thank you. I like your reminders. Keep ’em coming. 🥰
Dr. Stein, as your essay so clearly reveals, there’s a lot we take for granted here in the USA. As may be the case for most immigrants, I’ve faced countless deprivations over the years before my arrival on these shores. When I awake each morning, I first give thanks that my sons (you now share an adjacent apartment) and I have made it safely through the night. A safe and secure residence, mentioned in your list, is not a given in many parts of the world, as well as here in America. Worse yet in war-torn regions. When I’m feeling down, as I do now, I remind myself of all the blessings in my life. And, as you sum up so well, “every moment is precious.” I gift thanks for the gift you bring to my life in uplifting me when I’m down, discouraged, or in doubt <3
You are very kind, Rosaliene. I am glad we have connected as we try to add to the weight of goodness and action in response to the world’s needs. May your family remain safe and valued.
Thanks very much, Dr. Stein <3
I’m not sure how I missed this when you published it. What a wonderful list of things we often take for granted. Speaking of inventions, I’m grateful for this web that allows me to read these beautiful writings from you, Dr. Stein!
Much appreciated, Wynne. The human condition prompts lots of thought, not least from therapists.