As some of you know, over the past 2 1/2 years, I have been on an unexpected and unwelcome journey: the break-up of my 30+ year marriage. Early into it, I somehow figured out (I believe it was God/the Universe guiding me) that leaning into gratitude for all I still had would be what would comfort me, would encourage me, would ultimately be what would help me through my deep, deep grief and bring me back to joy. I posted a sign in my home where I would see it every day that said: FOREVER THANKFUL. In the early months, I literally read it aloud multiple times daily. 

I am very fortunate because I was always able to see, no matter how much pain I was in, that I had (and have!) endless things to be grateful for. 

Fast forward to today. I am freshly back from another first of many recent firsts for me: an amazing solo trip to a yoga retreat in Chacala, Mexico, followed by three days of fun, sun, relaxation, and crazily delicious food in Puerto Vallarta.

The morning after my first yoga session of the retreat, I wrote the following lines (among many other observations!) in my trip journal:

Returning to my room, bare feet loving the varied texture of the smooth-rough-smooth-rougher mixed-stone path beneath me, misting up a little, I had to pause just to inhale deeply. Day 1 of actual retreat barely begun, and I am already overcome with feelings of wellness and joy and abundance and luxury and, most of all, GRATITUDE (which I wrote in all caps, complete with a heart dotting the “i” :D) that I am here in this place—

This physical place: so beautiful it almost defies imagination

This mental place: happy, increasingly confident that I am truly healing, being challenged and growing and learning

This spiritual place: accepting and peaceful, letting go, feeling deeply loved, loving deeply, being—AM—so grateful I’m giddy!

And throughout the week, gratitude came up as a constant theme. In my heart. Expressed by other participants. As a chorus repeated by the instructors. . . .

Then, on the final day of the retreat, one of the instructors finished her class with a short meditation and this beautiful, beautiful song: Grateful by Tony Moss. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qXVyK-8yTs

It’s hard to put into words how much hearing it when I did meant to me. Let’s just say it really resonated.

Coming home, I looked up the artist’s website and found this comment from him: 

“In my years of working with people in the area of conflict resolution, depression, anxiety, and trauma, one thing I’ve learned is that often the answer to our modern worries and troubles is just gratitude – for what’s already been given. Gratitude is not an abstract concept: it is an energetic state, a practice, and a way of being in the world. A good friend once told me, “Often, the most potent prayer is, ‘Thank You.’” ~ T. Moss

The quote fits so well with things I’ve been learning in my personal life and applies so aptly to stuff I think about related to my other work that I was struck anew and in an even deeper way by the song, its message, and its power.  

I don’t know if this song will speak to you or for you the way it did and does for me, but I wanted to share it in case it is a balm you need. I highly recommend listening to it with your eyes closed, breathing deeply and slowly. 

Much love, dear friends and family. I am very grateful for you, 

💕 Ev

P.S. On a not-related-to-Mexico or yoga note, but quite possibly related to a journey you’re on or want to be on in your creative life, I am so, so excited to share that I’m doing another writing workshop with yours truly and the fabulous Jane Young and Andrea Guldin – this time at the Kitimat Public Library Association!

And all this brings me to the question: What are you doing this Saturday (Mar. 9)? Joining us, I hope!

The inspiring day will include three mini-workshops and writing exercises, suitable for writers of every level or genre, so whether you’re an experienced writer or author, a total newbie, or someone in between who writes in spits and spurts and wants to become more disciplined in your practice, we hope you’ll come out! Call to register: (250) 632-8985