I Drew A Card and offer a Gratitude Ceremony🪶

Each day, I like to draw at least one oracle card from one of my favorite decks. I ask for information that would best guide me through my day, for a project, or how I should focus my energy to best serve me and the world around me. Although I had plenty of Sunday thoughts in my head, I drew a card this morning to help me center those thoughts before writing: 

Pachamama (Mother Earth).

I’ve been thinking about our planet a lot lately as we move into the fall season and begin preparing for winter. Here in NE Wyoming, we have had a truly blessed fall. After a long, hot, summer, we have been gifted with incredible weather along with stunning tree colors that have lasted so long. I’ve been harvesting the last of my herbs and I’m drawn to the fact that our Mama Earth takes such incredible care of us. 

In our busy world, it can surely be easy to forget to take the time to show gratitude. The fact that modern society rarely stresses the importance of prayer, ceremony and celebration to express our deep gratitude can leave us with an emptiness in our hearts and our lives. Our news feeds and conversations become filled with more and more complaints, gossip and worry about everything wrong in our world. And yet, we are provided for, nurtured, and loved.

Gaia (ancient Greek), Pachamama (Andean), Papatūānuku (Maori) are some of the common names we use today when referring to our Mother Earth. Nearly all cultures had a name and reference to our planet as mother - a symbol of nurturing, unconditional love. When I recognize Pachamama as a living, breathing entity, along with the stones, plants, and animals that share this planet with us, my heart swells big and I know that I am not alone. Our lives have purpose and meaning and we are continually supported to embody those regardless of conditions and circumstances that may appear otherwise.

Even during hard times, we have so much to be grateful for while we journey through this earthwalk we are on. Tough times and pain can lead us to discover love, meaning and joy in the same way as good times if we stay focused on gratitude and caring for those around us. 

I invite you to take some time this week to create a little ceremony around gratitude. 

GRADITUDE CEREMONY

1. Bring SIX items you can release outdoors such as leaves, sticks, flowers or petals. 

2. Find a quiet moment - This doesn’t have to be a huge block of time, so don't hold off because you can’t find the time. You can also share this ceremony with friends or loved ones.

3. Create a sacred space - Whatever this is for “you”! A candle, essential oils, flowers, a cross, special stones or crystal, a beautiful cloth, herbs to burn - anything that is special to you. You can do this indoors or out. This dedicated space made with intention helps our brain leave the outside world and come into the moment. 

4. Take 4 deep and purposeful breaths - Eyes closed is best or focus on your sacred space. Feel your diaphragm and belly stretch and expand as you breathe deeply - oxygen moving into all the cells in your body and brain. Notice any areas of stagnation or tension in your body and let it go on the outbreaths. Breathe in gratitude for your breath. Without it, you would not be alive.

5. GRATITUDE - FEEL gratitude for each of the following six areas and then blow that feeling into one of each of your items to release outside. Don’t overthink this, you can always do it again tomorrow!

1. YOUR BODY - Either as a whole or one special part of your body such as your strong arms or your healthy heart. This is your one beautiful, unique and special package that allows your soul to travel this earthwalk. Honor it with gratitude. 

2. NOURISHMENT - The nourishing food and water that keeps your body healthy and functioning. You might be grateful for the amazing meal you ate last night, the food in your cupboard, the clean water you are blessed with, or food in general. Choose what comes to mind today.

3. FAMILY & FRIENDS - Perhaps there is one special person in your life that you want to be extra grateful for today, a group of people or family, or all of your family and friends. 

4. YOUR HOME - Even if your home is a tent, your car or someone’s couch (mine has been those many times) blow all the gratitude for “your home” that you can muster up into your item. 

5. YOUR PLACE THAT MAKES YOU FEEL VALUABLE IN THIS WORLD - This can be whatever makes your heart happy. Because when our hearts are happy, that energy migrates into the whole world.  A job, student, mom - dad - grandmother - grandfather, caretaker, traveler, builder of things, gardener, cook, teacher, horseman, spiritual person, lover of animals, writer, a particular sport or hobby, making beautiful spaces….  Unlimited!

6. PACHAMAMA, Mama Earth - Blow gratitude for this beautiful, giving planet that provides unconditionally to you into your item. 

6. RELEASE YOUR ITEMS IN NATURE - You can do this right away or keep them in a special bowl, basket or other container until you are able to take them outdoors. You can release into the wind, take to a special place like a garden or under a tree, set them free in a stream, pond, or ocean, or even burn them in a fire if you are able to. FEEL THE GRATITUDE one more time as you release your items with intention.

FEED THE UNIVERSE WITH LOVE AND GRATITUDE!

KNOW that the energy you created and set free with this little ceremony feeds the energy of the world we live in. It makes a difference not only for us as individuals, but for all of the planet. 

Blessings, Kim