Ceviche and Thank You
I put on my Latin playlist.
A song by Mercedes Sosa
came on that I love.
I was humming these lines
as I strolled through the isles
of the grocery store picking out
fish, tomatoes, lime juice, and
cilantro to make ceviche:
Gracias a la vida,
Que me ha dado tanto…
Thank you, Life.
You have given me so much.
I thought about how incredible it is
to be able to walk into a store and
there are plentiful fresh foods for
us to choose from.
Thank you, Life.
You have given me so much.
I have money in my bank account
to be able to buy what I’d like to make.
I simply walk in, pick out what I need,
pay the cashier, and carry my bags
to my car.
Thank you, Life.
You have given me so much.
I drive home to a house we love,
with heat when it’s cold and
air conditioning when it’s hot,
and running water from simply
a turn of a knob.
I have people who love me
and a dog who follows me
everywhere I go.
Thank you, Life.
You have given me so much.
It changes us when we pause
for a moment and remember
just how much life has given us.
It also changes us when we pause
and allow ourselves to receive and
enjoy what has been given to us.
Then that abundance flows to others
and into the world. We are more likely
to share what we have,
inviting others to enjoy it with us.
Thank you, Life.
You have given me so much.
I plan on sharing my ceviche.
Lisa McCrohan © 2024
Sacred Somatic Practice:
The positive impact of gratitude is now well researched and documented. As an expert in the nervous system and somatics, I’m big on not just “mental” gratitude but rather embodied gratitude. When we embody something, we feel it and even remember it more deeply. We are more present. The impact of a practice is greater, deeper.
A sacred somatic practice of gratitude can be as simple as:
Take a moment and soften or close your eyes.
Place your hands together in a prayer position.
Take a few mindful breaths.
Feel the breath breathing you.
Notice the sensations of breathing in and out.
Notice how the shape of your body changes as you inhale and exhale.
Bring into your mind something you appreciate about life. A favorite type of flower, your dog, your favorite scent, a person you love.
Notice what happens in the heart space when you bring this into your mind and body. Does your chest expand, become lighter or fuller? Do you feel a warmth or tingling in your chest?
Then take a moment and slowly bow – in whatever way feels accessible to you. Now to the Divine or Life for this gift.
Maybe take just a few breaths in that bowing posture.
Then rise back up.
Notice what has shifted in your body, energy, heart and mind.
I am going to be sharing more poetry + sacred somatics. If you’d like to get these resources in the months to come, please sign up here:
Blessings,
