Thursday Thoughts...

"Attention is the doorway to gratitude, the doorway to wonder, the doorway to reciprocity". 

Robin Wall Kimmerer 

I have seen many folk celebrate the book Braiding Sweetgrass by Ms Wall Kimmerer, but am yet to read it myself, but with these words I recognise a kindred spirit of sorts. 

I love the way she uses attention as the bedrock to experiences; and the notion of a doorway, an opening, which enables or encourages us to go further.

Attention as a doorway to gratitude seems to be about how paying attention allows us to acknowledge the small and good things - the sun on our face in winter; the taste of a divine chocolate brownie; being present with a giggling child. Gratitude for being alive, and being able to experience these things.

Attention as a doorway to wonder is so real for me. The stopping and pausing and noticing beauty, soft light, colours, the perfect formation of a flower bud...to wonder at how much beauty there is if we pause and notice.

Attention as a doorway to reciprocity makes me think harder. Perhaps it is paying attention to small acts of kindness, noting them, being reminded and trying to remember to do the same?

Kindness...