“Expressing gratitude to another, whether it be an acquaintance, a loved one, a stranger, or the Universe itself, acknowledges a cycle of energy exchanged. Like a circuit that completes a transaction, it returns to an open position and awaits a new transmission. Indeed, being open is a state of attraction in itself. But receiving energy and applying it in ways which make one feel whole or enriched or enchanted, is an act of allowance which originates from within you. This is called an experience of appreciation. To fully appreciate what you have begins with a recognition of that aspect of Essence which knows it has been touched by something it values. Reaching out to acknowledge the source of that input, is the act of being thankful. Saying “thank you” and meaning it, is a magic far more palpable in human intimacy than any amount of wand waving or spell casting or prayer, you can imagine. The dance between gratitude and appreciation from the tune strummed on the strings of your heart, makes life a ballet of amazing grace and a symphony of unimagined beauty. This is the miracle of life; to appreciate it and to be grateful for it.” Michael’s Consortium
In case I have missed the opportunity before now to tell you all how grateful I am for the love and support shared with me by you; then consider it the theme of this Christmas message. But let me also share with you something that rarely enters conversation. I really appreciate my life: even with all the hard parts! Borrowing a Sanskrit word I came across in the book: Eat, Pray, Love – I am an Antevasin: one who lives on the edge, between the borders of states.
Without the benefits of conformity, or the safety of familiarity, my life exists as no great example of success in the context of the status quo. For like it or not, like a fish who can only breathe in brackish water, my range lies outside the norm and away from the mainstream thought or ocean of conformity. Can’t help it, no matter how I swim toward the pool of human enterprise, I am pushed back into the depths. Oh well! I am not unique, nor remarkable in anyways most consider. My achievements are about the only mundane or average thing about me. Who I am is just “one of us”, but the niche I inhabit is a bit removed, on the fringe, and sometimes difficult to reach.
If my life were part of a story, no doubt I’d find myself living on the Island of Misfit toys. Oh I look normal enough on the outside, but probe my workings or the sounds I make or the colors I shine or offbeat way I function and I’d surely be right there with “Charley-in-the-Box.” Still, beyond all these quirky qualities of mine, living inside this head, with this emotional range, and having my experiences continues to be an adventure! A cross between Treasure Island and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
Granted…earning a livelihood seems really tough much of the time. And choices of living have been often baffling, sometimes terrifying, or but for the most part amazing in the possibilities of what might be. I’ve always related to a line in the Grateful Dead song Truckin which expresses much of the sentiment for me: “what a long, strange trip it’s been!” And the ride continues!
My appreciation is that I am seldom bored and almost always felt love for something or someone. Even when I felt like a fish out of water. 🙂 I’d call myself with a little self deprecating pleasure, “Carp-keyoni”. The sucker out of his element. 🙂 As long it is me chiding myself, I can handle it from anyone.
Thank you all for loving me in ways for which I absolutely appreciate.
Purposeful Days and Joyful Life!
Stephen Cocconi – Citizen of Earth