Common Miracles: Week #35

 “Rejoicing in ordinary things is not sentimental or trite. It actually takes guts. Each time we drop our complaints and allow everyday good fortune to inspire us, we enter the warrior’s world.”
–Pema Chodron

veryday good fortune. I love that concept, of rejoicing in everyday good fortune. When I reflect on the run-of-the-mill definition of rejoicing, it's a word most associated with the big news, the fun stuff, a wonderful announcement or life change--weddings, babies, new jobs, a celebration, clean bill of health, something momentous.

But think about rejoicing in the every. day. moments. To bring that level (REJOICE!) of enthusiasm to the mundane really only takes a shift in perspective.

I put on my clothes, brushed my teeth, made my breakfast, etc., this morning. Rejoice, my body works, and pretty well. Think about relearning skills after an accident or stroke, or surgery...

I have food in the cupboards and fridge to eat, make, savor. Rejoice, that's not universally the case.

There are puppies who greet me with wagging tails. Rejoice, so many families have lost dear pets recently, or have had to give them up due to economic hardship. The shelters are full, people. Go get a pet!

I am told quite frequently that I am loved. Rejoice, indeed!

I saw the sky today; in fact, the sunrise was pretty! It wasn't sunny for very long, and, in fact, the gray and cold were both not very welcome. But I saw and I felt. Rejoice!

I read almost constantly, and I love it. Devouring information is one of my all-time favorite things. I can read! I know, that sounds pretty silly for me to make a big deal out of, something we would mostly but, well, that's a piece of everyday good fortune. Rejoice! Imagine not being able to read.

I laughed today. My son does indeed make me smile, laugh, sometimes even snort. Not very ladylike, but I do enjoy a chuckle. I also laughed at myself more than once today, which is entirely too common. It's a little bit sad when someone is so much of their own comic relief... (Rejoice?)

My feet don't hurt as much as they used to (self-diagnosed plantar faciitis), thanks to some lacrosse balls I got that, if you stand on them and roll your feet around for a bit, help stretch out the muscles. Pretty fine, if I just remember to do that! (Of course, if I forget, my feet remind me.) Rejoice! Less pain.

I cried last night while I was watching Downton Abbey. (I know! What a flake. Good grief, Sher, get a life.) I think seeing the changes in all the characters and their life circumstances from the first season (pre-WWI) to full-on wartime in the second season, it just touched my heart. I rejoiced in people living with conviction--even when that conviction brought them pain and at the worst, might see their lives lost; was sad at lost love (though I haven't given up hope on them by any means!); and in general (obviously) got caught up in the drama... if you haven't succumbed to the thrall that is DA, you must!

So, what everyday thing are you rejoicing in today? What's your Common Miracle?

To see how the Common Miracle project started, go here.