How do we arrive at such a place of
grace? It begins with the awareness that life on this plane is finite. It does not go on forever. I know that I have had more break- fasts than I will have in the future. It is this awareness that I must accept. How do I engage, enjoy and appreciate the life I have in the present moments? There is a meme on the internet in which Charlie Brown says to Snoopy, “we only live once.” Snoopy replies, “Wrong! We only die once. We live every day.” The first step is to be present in the mo- ment, accept what is and find appreciation in whatever is in the moment. The next step is to realize that everything passes and changes. We may lose track of that awareness. Imagine something or someone that is important to you and think/feel what it would be like if that “something or someone” is no longer in your life. Imagine the hole that would exist. Then truly appreciate what you currently have knowing that it will pass in time. This is to enter through the door of gratitude into a meaningful, heartfelt life.
A meaningful and heartfelt life requires us to take personal responsibility. It means that we care for ourselves in order to be fully present in life in the moment. Being respon- sible means I show appreciation for myself and others. I give thanks and say thank you. I act in ways that demonstrate appreciation. I eat responsibly. I take care of my body. I express gratitude. I manage my affairs in such a manner as to cause the least amount of harm. I see the connectedness of all things. I understand the difference between needs and wants. I find contentment and appreciation in the simple and the ordinary. I enjoy nature. I choose to savor life and relationships. I focus on what is right with the situation and add to it in a heartfelt manner.
James W. Osborne, MS, LPC has been twice named one of Natural Nutmeg’s 10 Best Winners for Holistic Psycho- therapy/LCSW/Counseling. He is a Licensed Professional
Counselor with over 40 years of clinical experience specializing in trauma and self- actualization. He employs Mindfulness, Jungian Psychology, Gestalt Psychology, ACT, EMDR and value-based techniques unique to the individual to support positive health changes. His undergraduate degree is in Philosophy and he views psychotherapy as philosophy in action. He can be con- tacted at Osborne Counseling Services in Kensington. 860.384.4971 or at JWOsborne.
MS.LPC@gmail.com. See ad on page 28.
24 Natural Nutmeg - March 2020
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
