Continuing the Usui Reiki Principles for a living happy life series, the third Reiki Principle reminds us: Just for today, count your blessings. It's the perfect monthly mantra, especially since we've just exited Mercury Retrograde. For me, this month's retrograde really pushed, pulled and squeezed on every level...until I finally just surrendered to the process. I was reminded of a time when I was 14 years old and boogie boarding in Malibu. As I paddled out, I caught a wave a little too late and immediately wiped out. The wave's undertow took me under with such might keeping me under water that when I finally came up to gasp for air, I was taken under again by yet another wave. This time I was pulled face down to the ocean floor causing me to scrape the side of my face along its sandy bottom. I came to the surface exhausted, only to see my uncle, a few feet away from me, coming in to bring me back to shore. This experience was one of the most intense moments of my life when all I could do was rely on the strength of my body and my lung capacity and simultaneously be flexible enough to go with the flow of the water. If I resisted the power of the ocean I would have fared a lot worse than just being exhausted. When I returned to shore, all I could think of was what could have happened. I remember being so grateful that I was okay and finally safe.
This month I experienced similar intensity, although not life-threatening, during Mercury Retrograde. I simply couldn't anticipate when the tumultuous waves of life were coming...they just arrived. One after the other, in their own rhythm, in their own time. All I could do was keep centered and go with the flow. This was the theme this past month for many others - clients, friends, family and associates. Today, now that things have settled down, I'm DEFINITELY counting my blessings. I was reminded that even though life has its challenges, focusing on what we have and what we're blessed with carries us through the tough times.
Reflecting on the wisdom of this month, I was reminded that tumultuous times bring to the surface what's important and what we need to let go of in life. Even though my profession involves working with the spirit realm and healing energy I'm still a regular human being with lessons to learn and a life to live - I count this as a blessing.
This month, I invite you to take a moment each day to reflect on your blessings: your children, your health, your parents, your animals, your job, your time, your body, having food on the table, the love of your family...everything. When you remember what you already have, you realize that you're already living a blessed and abundant life.
May you receive many blessings today, and in all of your tomorrows.
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