Infusing Gratitude into Daily Life

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday - a day to gather with family, connect, and indulge in delicious food. However, I've come to realize that there was some ritual and intentionality missing from the way I celebrated this day of gratitude. Infusing more gratitude into my daily life has become a priority for me, as I've learned that a life lived from a place of gratitude is where we manifest the experiences we truly desire.

Practicing gratitude doesn't have to be complicated; it can be simple yet powerful. Here are some ways to infuse more gratitude into your life:

Honoring Ancestors and Family Connections:

• Set up a small altar or space in your home to honor your ancestors and family members who have passed away. Light a candle or place flowers on the altar as an offering of gratitude and remembrance.

• Consider initiating conversations with family members about their heritage and ancestral traditions. Share stories and memories to deepen the connection with your family roots.

Acknowledging Resources and Abundance:

• Take time to appreciate the resources and abundance you have in your life. This includes acknowledging the nourishment provided by nature, plants, fruits, vegetables, and the elements.

• Engage in activities that connect you with nature, such as gardening, hiking, or simply spending time outdoors. Express gratitude for the beauty and sustenance provided by the natural world.

Expressing Gratitude for Love & Care:

• Dedicate moments each day to express gratitude for the love and care you receive from your relationships, be it from family, friends, or pets. Make an effort to vocalize your appreciation and reciprocate the love that surrounds you.

  
  

By infusing these practices into your life, you can bring a deeper sense of gratitude not only to Thanksgiving but also to your daily experiences. Honoring ancestors, acknowledging abundance, and expressing gratitude for love and care can help you cultivate a more enriching and meaningful life filled with appreciation and mindfulness.

Simple daily gratitude practices to welcome more gratitude into your life:

1. Morning Gratitude Pause: Start your day by taking a moment to pause and remind yourself of five things you're grateful for. Let the feeling of gratitude wash over you and guide your thoughts and words throughout the day.

2. Limit Phone Use: Avoid checking your phone and social media first thing in the morning. Instead, take this time for yourself and your morning routine. Delaying the urge to check your phone can help you attune to a balanced emotional state your day.

3. Let Go of Expectations: When you post something on social media, try not to check for reactions constantly. Put your thoughts and content out there and let go of expectations. Allow it to exist without the need for immediate validation.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Throughout the day, take micro-moments to be present and notice the small blessings and miracles around you. Whether it's a beautiful sunset, a kind gesture from a stranger, or the warmth of a cup of tea, acknowledging these moments can bring a sense of gratitude.

5. Recognize Generosity: Recognize the generosity of others and share it with those around you. In doing so, you not only appreciate the kindness you received but also spread positivity by highlighting someone else's act of goodwill.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   
   
   
   

By turning to these practices daily, you can shift how you interpret and perceive the world. Taking time to appreciate the present moment and the abundance in your life can lead to a more fulfilling and contented existence. Remember, you are a powerful creator. The more you embody gratitude the more gratitude you will enjoy. Gratitude is not just for one day a year; it can be a guiding principle that shapes our perspective and enriches our daily experiences.

A Journey of Reflection and Growth: 10-Week Meditation Challenge

As I sit down to reflect on the past 7 weeks, I find myself immersed in a profound sense of transformation. The decision to embark on a 10-week meditation challenge was not made lightly but rather stemmed from a deep-rooted desire to cultivate resilience and discipline in preparation for our upcoming 10-day Silent Meditation Retreat.

Before this challenge, my meditation practice was sporadic, with sessions rarely extending beyond 30 minutes and often guided. The realization that I had gradually veered away from the disciplined practice left me feeling more reactive and burdened by lingering emotions and unprocessed experiences. I knew that for me too deeply drop into the upcoming retreat, I needed to recommit to my meditation practice and realign with the stillness within.

The structure of the challenge required dedicating 2 hours to silent practice every Saturday for 10 consecutive weeks. This commitment may seem daunting to some, but I felt a deep sense of determination to reclaim my inner tranquility and focus from distractions that did not deserve my attention.

During the meditation sessions, I centered my focus on the gap between my breath and my spiritual heart, as per the Hridaya lineage. The first week introduced 20 minutes of silent meditation followed by 1 hour and 40 minutes of "karma yoga," where I spent time in nature and dedicated myself to a chore, embracing the meditative flow.

As the challenge progressed, the longer meditation sessions brought to the surface a surge of obsessive thoughts and anxieties. This turbulence prompted me to create a sacred space, invoking the guardians of my sensory gates, the directional guardians, and the guardians of the land. The unexpected reconnection with spirit infused me with a newfound inspiration to explore animism and embrace the role of a guardian, a journey I am eager to share in the upcoming blog posts.

Reaching the threshold of meditating for 1 hour and 10 minutes marked a significant shift within me. Subsequent extended sessions evoked a sense of timelessness, allowing me to transcend the constraints of fleeting moments and immerse myself in a state of pure presence.

As I write this, we are finishing our seventh week of the challenge, Starting the 8th week on Saturday with two weeks remaining. I have learned to balance unwavering commitment with gentle flexibility, allowing my meditation practice to seamlessly meld into the rhythm of my day. Embracing this fluidity has granted me the gift of peaceful, undisturbed sleep, transforming each night into a rejuvenating experience.

To wrap this up, this 10-week meditation challenge has illuminated the profound impact of granting myself the time to process and integrate the multitude experiences, information, and stimuli that populate my life. The gentle calmness has become a welcomed companion, nurturing and supporting my nervous system, ultimately enhancing my capacity to embrace life as it is. By immersing myself in this practice, I have become acutely aware of the subtle miracles and endless opportunities that unfurl before me when I remain attuned and present.

If you, too, feel called to embark on this transformative journey, I extend a heartfelt invitation to join us this Saturday or the following weeks to come and explore the boundless depths of inner stillness and self-discovery. Perhaps a deeper reset is calling you and if so we would love to have you attend our

10 Day Silent Retreat December 31st- Janauary 11th

Click here for the 10 week Silent Challenge link

Mucho Amor,

Amanda Luna

Traditions That Unite Us: Connecting Past & Present

In a fast-paced world filled with modern technologies and ever-evolving trends, there is something comforting and grounding about traditions that tie us to our past while enriching our present. These time-honored customs act as a bridge between generations, connecting us to our roots and fostering a sense of continuity and community. Let's delve into the profound significance of traditions that connect & root us beyond space and time.

Embracing Ancestral Celebrations

One of the most poignant ways in which traditions bring us together across generations is through ancestral celebrations. Events like All Hallow's Eve, Day of the Dead, or Solstices & Equinoxes  are not merely dates on the calendar; they are opportunities to honor our ancestors, remember their stories, and pass down cherished customs to future generations. By participating in these celebrations, we pay homage to those who came before us, preserving their legacy, and strengthening our familial bonds.

Cultural Festivals and Rituals

Cultural festivals and rituals serve as communal touchstones that unite us with our heritage and connect us to shared values and beliefs. Whether it's dancing the traditional folk dances of our ancestors, preparing age-old recipes handed down through generations, or chanting sacred hymns, these rituals provide a sense of belonging and identity. They remind us of our cultural roots and instill a deep appreciation for the diverse tapestry of humanity.

Heritage Crafts and Artisanal Skills

In an era of mass-produced goods and disposability, traditions that celebrate craftsmanship and artisanal skills remind us of the beauty of handcrafted creations. From intricate embroidery techniques passed down from master to apprentice to herbal & culinary arts  honed over centuries, these traditions not only preserve heritage crafts but also encourage us to slow down, appreciate the artistry, and support local artisans. By embracing these traditions, we uphold the value of quality, handmade goods, and tradition in a world often dominated by convenience.

Family Rituals and Rites of Passage

Within our own families, there exist unique traditions that mark significant milestones and bind us together in shared experiences. Whether it's a special recipe prepared on birthdays, a family heirloom passed down through generations, or annual gatherings that bring relatives from near and far, these rituals create lasting memories and strengthen familial ties. They provide a sense of continuity and stability, grounding us in the love and support of our loved ones as we navigate life's journey.

In embracing traditions that reunite us past and present, we honor the legacy of our ancestors, celebrate the richness of our cultural heritage, and create lasting connections with those around us. These timeless customs serve as reminders of who we are, where we come from, and the values that guide us through life's joys and challenges. So, let us continue to cherish and uphold these traditions, weaving a tapestry of stories and experiences that connect us across time and space.

To add a new spin on old traditions that support connection and creativity with the people you love most, consider the following ideas:

1. Interactive Storytelling: Instead of simply recounting stories of ancestors, consider creating an interactive storytelling experience where different family members take on the roles of ancestors and act out various scenarios. This can add an element of fun and engagement to the tradition.

2. Modernizing Cultural Recipes: While preserving age-old recipes, consider incorporating a modern twist by adding new ingredients or presenting the dish in a unique way. This can serve as a way to bridge the past and present while creating new culinary experiences that connect generations.

3. Artisan Workshops: Host workshops where family members can learn and practice traditional artisanal skills together. This could include activities like pottery making, weaving, painting, or herbal crafting, allowing everyone to tap into their creativity while preserving heritage crafts.

4. Personalized Family Heirlooms: Instead of passing down traditional family heirlooms, consider creating new ones that are personalized to each family member. This can involve collaborative art projects or the customization of existing heirlooms to reflect individual personalities.

5. Digital Family Scrapbook: In addition to physical photo albums, consider creating a digital family scrapbook that incorporates multimedia elements such as videos, voice recordings, and interactive features. This can be a collaborative project that brings family members together to curate and document their shared memories.

   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   
   
   
   
   
   

By incorporating these ideas, you can breathe new life into old traditions, fostering deeper connections and creating meaningful experiences that resonate with both the past and present.

Happy Holy Days to you and your loved ones 

If you like to make a new tradition this year and spend some quality time with your loved ones this year Explore staying at our beautiful lodge and take advantage of our 

✨Special rates November-December 28th ✨