Are Your Tears Salty or Sweet?
THE SWEETNESS AND POWER OF GRATITUDE
Q: Are Your Tears Salty or Sweet?
A: Three days ago: I was in the shower this morning and started to think of all the people I have met since coming to New York City. I felt a rumble in my deep inner realm and then observed as a rush of sweetness began to stream out of the corners of my eyes. My heart pulsed with light as an immense source of pure gratitude began to express a weeping that took me to my knees. Wow. I am still in awe as I type this, cozy in my robe, feeling the aftershocks of such a beautiful human and heartfelt experience. All I can say right now is thank you.
Faces such as a dear new friend who has opened up her heart and closest friendships to me came to mind. This act of radical generosity alone has helped me to find a livelihood that calls to me deeply, rather it is an invitation. The invitation that encompasses my new role at work is one that continues to evolve at a steady pace. It is constantly becoming new and revealing itself as something even more inspiring than I imagined. This alone is a golden opportunity worthy of sweet tears of joy.
THE GRATITUDE BUZZ
Currently: The gratitude buzz that has been proliferating in recent days is giving me an otherworldly experience. In moments, I can feel the gratitude seeping from my bones, it is so deep and it has me wondering what this is all about. Many of you know my dearest Godparents founded Cafe Gratitude, so I am not new to being asked “What are you grateful for?” And…even after nearly 2 decades with them at the helm of this question, I feel I am still understanding what it means to be grateful and recognize the immensity and power of this impeccable virtue. Gratitude, in essence, feels like God’s way of hugging my heart. It is the doorway to a kind of love that exists in the depths, hence that feeling in my bones..
Again in my robe, this time after a long and fulfilling day of service. I continue to see the faces of the people I have met here and how kindred they feel to me even if we’ve only known each other for less than a year, some less than a month. I hope they read this someday and (if you are reading this) know the impact their (your) hearts have had on mine. Life is changing at such a dramatic and welcomed pace, I am in awe of this said invitation, which it all truly feels to be. Those who have met with me for tea, received me in their offices and homes, took time to introduce me to someone they thought I should meet, and offered me such heartfelt and warm welcomes. Thank you.
And then I see the people in my life who I love dearly and have for a long time. Those who have been there during these years of trial and tribulation. My friends, my family, and my community. You have seen me through the wild ride of this life thus far and I can’t thank you enough for loving me through the terrain and journey that is Ciela. I am a rigorous human and am willing to take the risks required to listen as deeply as I can and lean in further by acting on what I hear. Thank you for letting me share this process with you and for remaining by my side through it all. I love you.
BIRTHDAY GRATITUDE
A January 17th request: Tuesday is my birthday and I would love to ask you to really be with the question of what you are grateful for, and then see what happens. Let it seep from your bones with an ache of goodness that showers you from the inside (can be done in or out of actual shower haha as long as you then get into your robe : ). I hope you will share your experience with me, salty or sweet, and what you are grateful for.
Much love and many blessings…ps this journal is a self-proclaimed virtual birthday party. Thank you for your gift of presence and for celebrating with me in this space I love so much✨
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