Crishuana & Co.

Tag: Gratitude

  • a love prayer: testimony

    a love prayer: testimony

     

    A meditation on 1 Corinthians 13.

    Father God in the beautiful heavens above,

    I thank you for your mercy on my life that you would come to me at so young an age to do your work
    I see that you have always been preparing me through the many opportunities and the many trials you have given me at such a young age
    How could I have not seen your love in this world for all this time?
    What a blessing Lord that you have opened my eyes
    Thank you Jesus
    Thank you.
    I was blind but now I see
    Love is so painful sometimes when you see how wide it can be
    And when you see how much hurt it brings when it is missing

    So often I tried to create love when i did not know what it was
    I had not seen it since my mother died so many years ago
    When she left, all the people around me turned hard
    They looked at me and saw the things they did not forgive themselves for
    I felt guilty for them
    And I kept that guilt in my heart

    But, it was your love that told me it was time to heal
    You waited until I was ready to build a family
    Then you showed me the pain I had that I needed to heal before I could have one of my own
    Throughout you loved me
    Unconditionally.

    I never knew what love was until you loved me, Jesus
    Thank you is such a small word
    Now I understand why we follow you

    You want what is best for us so you teach us how to live
    You love us even when we make mistakes and must face the consequences of it
    You give us strength to overcome such that we may see the wisdom you are giving us for your purpose
    You prepare us for the tribulations that are inevitable for you have a path for each of us–
    Each of us that choose to believe it

    What a small price to pay for the blessing to walk with you
    The ultimate blessing
    I have known of god, but
    Now I see that you are God
    Because God is love
    You do not require us to do anything or be anybody
    You already love us for ourselves
    What a peace
    Indescribable to those who have never felt it

    I pray that as many souls as you choose
    will have the opportunity to have your blessing
    May you give me the words to share your good news to all

    Thank you for loving me
    unconditionally.

    Amen,
    -S

    Be more full of Love here with Baba Ram Dass’ lecture “Path of the Heart” (Rhinebeck, NY – July 1992)

  • picking ourselves back up

    picking ourselves back up

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    My former Instagram page (@ana.yanae) had been a serious source of motivation for me when I was running it from 2014 to 2015, but I’ve since archived it. (See parts of it here: anayane.tumblr.com)

    Now, two years later, I am beginning my Instagram page (@Crishuana_) again to promote share what I’ve learned about connecting with God, cultivating mindfulness for folks of african-decent and the many (many, many) applications of yoga practice, so I started looking back at what I’d posted before. It wasn’t long before I started doubting whether or not I could even produce again. But, coming across this “Sunday #affirmation” post, I was immediately re-inspired. So, that where my message for today begins: we can and should be our own inspiration.

    The Buddha instructs us to be lamps unto ourselves. He says, “Rely on yourselves, and do not rely on external help. Hold fast to the truth as a lamp. Seek salvation alone in the truth. Look not for assistance to any one besides yourselves.” (The Buddha’s Farewell)

    How many of us have kept a journal or actively make a practice of keeping notes to ourselves? In my own experience, I have been journaling regularly since 2014. It had been a practice that saved me out of the depression and loneliness that came with moving to a new city and having my former partner start medical school. Writing and encouraging myself gave me strength and confidence to change my thinking and then my circumstances.

    Now, when I look at my journals from three years ago, I see the triumphs that I’ve overcome and recognize the patterns I have. Looking back reminds me that I have made it! And, with a little hard work, I will make it again. Each of us can think about the times in our life that by the grace of God, we made it over the mountains and obstacles in our lives. When we remember the blessings we’ve been to others and the great mindsets we’ve cultivated in ourselves, we can be encouraged to continue that way. Have pride in yourself and your journey! You are a triumph! Everyday you are doing your best and winning, big or small!

    Finally, if this week or this year, you were looking for some inspiration to start journaling or to pick up the healthy habit again, I am here to offer one suggestion. Take a page from chapter four Oprah’s What I Know For Sure: and keep a Daily Gratitude list. It’s easy to note the top 5 things you are grateful for every day.

    Skeptical? Let me show you how easy it can be.
    Here are mine for today: Wednesday 7/19 at 18:19-

    1. An invite to interview for a new position helping my community
    2. A running car with gas and updated insurance
    3. An encouraging call from a good spiritual friend
    4. Sunshine during the rain storm
    5. Cold water in my Thermos to keep me cool…

    May we each keep seeking God’s manifestation in ourselves such that we can be renewed without reliance on any temporary and external support. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Book of Romans 12:2, NIV) Peace to you on your journey!

    Namaste & Blessings Fam,

    -S.