I was 19 years old when I got my first job as a writer. A few weeks into the position, I found out that working for free would not be an option and that I needed to start making money or else it wouldn’t last long.
Our world was changed by the shift in consciousness that happened on September 11, 2001. Our hearts were shifted and lifted up to a new level of gratitude for all life has given us. And this is what happens when we are able to change our perspective – not only through intentional spiritual practices but also by giving thanks everyday…
Rev. Elizabeth Rowley is a columnist for The and the Paso Robles Press, and she may be reached at [email protected]
In 2009, I embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to India with thirteen other people. It was time to go by train to Agra to see the Taj Mahal after resting in Varanasi for five nights. We arrived at the railway station early in order to catch our train at 10 p.m.
In India, it was scorching hot. You might be sweating heavily just standing there doing nothing but breathing. It must have been 100 degrees outside with 80% humidity, making it seem like 800. It was a little unsettling.
Train stations in India vary from those in the United States. I observed gigantic rodents the size of my head slithering about, as well as flying insects and bugs the size of my palm. There were also slender cows strolling around the railway station, as if they were waiting for their train as well. It began to become darker outside, but it was also becoming hotter. Our train had been delayed by two hours, according to the announcer. We were now waiting for the Agra train at midnight.
While waiting, my traveling buddies and I formed a circle on the station platform. Consider the fourteen of us, each carrying a mound of baggage in the middle. I’m sweaty, thirsty, and exhausted from the oppressive heat, resting on the edge of my luggage, wishing for a breeze while wishing for a return home.
We’re going to get through this together, Atascadero
Our leader suddenly started playing her harmonium, which she had dug out of the mound of bags. A harmonium is a pump organ with a vibrating piece of thin metal in the frame that makes sound.
Hara Hara Mahadeva Shambo, Kashi Vishwanath Gange, she started to sing. People from our group and those who were waiting for their train joined in the song.
Three additional circles around our original circle. Everyone was shouting, laughing, applauding, and having a good time. Beautiful ladies with huge nose rings and stunning jewel-toned saris sang together. Everyone began chanting, even businessmen and children. It was much hotter now, but Spirit compelled me to rise and join them in chanting. Kashi Vishwanath Gange, Hara Hara Mahadeva Shambo. Singing felt liberated. As I continued to sing, I forgot about the heat and felt appreciation and pleasure surge inside me.
I was given a little battery-operated fan with red-blue-green-yellow-red-blue-green-yellow-red-blue-green-yellow-red-blue-green-yellow-red-blue-green-yellow-red-blue-green-yellow-red-blue-green-yellow-red-blue-green-yellow-red I felt enormous appreciation sweep over me as I felt the calm wind I had just prayed for a few seconds before. My heart was bursting at the seams with gratitude and love. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. My vibration rose as my energy moved, and I was blessed!
I thought the fan was the gift, but the greatest present was the outpouring of appreciation that energised my body, changed my mindset, and carried on throughout the remainder of my journey. Gratitude is a gift that you give to yourself.
That is correct.
As an example:
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