Freedom Taking Root

Cross the bridge to breathing in peace and exhaling in gratitude.

Have you ever sent a gift, written a heart-felt card, showed up for someone in need and not received a simple, "thank you?" I would guess at some point in your life, yes, would be the answer. How does that feel in your body, your heart, your mind?

Do you begin to start a story of resentment, "Well, that's the last time I do something nice for someone!" "That so and so is so ungrateful!" I know that I have felt less than terrific when someone has not been appreciative of my words, time, or gifts.

I have always been a giver and not always the best at receiving. I have felt anger or sadness at not being appreciated for the kindnesses I have shared or thanks for the gifts I have bestowed. But I have found freedom taking root in me by showing up from a different place that feels so much better than resentment. Letting go of expectations and not waiting for gratitude. I breathe in peace and exhale gratitude once again.

When you offer gifts from a clean place. You release the expectations and outcome. I did not allow resentment or doubt to creep in when I just sent cards and gifts in the mail. I began practicing the breathing in peace and exhaling gratitude. My heart is maturing!

It is them and not me. I gave freely and let go of the story of expectations. If feels freer to not wait for gratitude. I am unburdening myself when I let go of the currency of gratitude that can easily creep in and bring up self-doubt and resentment. Love becomes free and unburdened.

Inhaling peace and exhaling gratitude is not just a practice it is becoming an embodied truth.

I did not run away.

I kept soft in the giving.

My heart did not close.

I stayed open and unattached to the outcome. Freedom.

My heart and chest feel lighter and my breathing is calm and steady. I trust the feelings in my body and breath. They never lie. My nervous system is learning a new rhythm--where benevolence does not grasp the outcome.

Act from love.

Let go of control.

Keep your self-respect intact.

A blessing.

The quiet blessings that settle quietly into your bones. When love is offered freely with no strings attached. May that steadiness deepen and widen within you. May peace continue to flow on your breath. May gratitude stay with you as you give openly and not something you wait for.

You will walk lighter as freedom takes root.

Love always in all ways, Angela