December 23, 2008
DANIELLA'S WISDOM

A few days ago on the playground, 9 year old Daniella excitedly reported to me her delight with moving into a "new" home. When asked to tell me more, she shared how her family could no longer afford to stay in their previous home due to her father's job loss. So they packed up and moved in with her grandmother. This new home is a trailer where she and her younger sister and brother now share a room and a bed. Grandmother relinquished her bedroom space for Daniella's parents and will be sleeping on the couch. Grandmother's home
is in need of many repairs and her father spends hours every day mending the tattered and torn trailer.
According to Daniella, food and space are limited yet I never heard her complain once about the conditions. Rather, she was thrilled to have a place to live, cherished the opportunity to be with "nanna" more often, was proud of being responsible for helping her siblings prepare for bed at night and school in the morning and was especially grateful she could attend the same school. Then she ran off to chase and be chased by her younger sister, squealing with joy and laughter.

I was humbled and moved to tears. I still am. That morning I awoke with concern and worry about my personal state of affairs. On occasions during these past six months, I have allowed myself to be sucked into recession thinking, collective fear-based cogitation and concocting stories that limit my options and joy. That day was
one of those heavy-hearted times. And there stood Daniella gracing me with the gift of gratitude, as if she instinctively knew how much I needed her infectious wisdom and appreciation for life to help me shift gears. It worked.

Have you noticed there's something different about the holidays this year? I have yet to hear a child declare
their Santa gift or demand the latest and greatest toys, gadgets or electronics. And I am with LOTS of children every day. I'm sensing that current conditions, although temporary, are inviting us all to reflect, redefine
priorities, revisit values and make adjustments accordingly.

When I've asked students what they picture their Christmas or holiday will look like this year, not one
mentioned gifts. Instead, they excitedly spoke of baking cookies or cakes with extended family and friends. Many reported travel plans to visit relatives or play with snow in colder climates. Some looked forward to
playing sports with their father, uncle, neighbors or friends. A number of students were eager to aid those who were experiencing challenges.

Last week I was guest teaching in a third grade classroom for five consecutive days. The teacher was out on sick leave and prior to her absence had gifted each of her students with five-inch teddy bears. It has been quite some time since I have observed children at this age enjoy the presence of a plain yet meaningful toy in such creative and imaginative expressions: parenting, feeding, playing games, care-taking, dancing, nurturing, designing shelters, companionship, cuddling, grooming and much more. Such deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.

Life is so much more wonderful in this child-like state of mind. Gratefulness comes easily when each moment, each situation and each day is greeted as if it is your first. An attitude of gratitude generates a "great-fullness"
of life, transcending circumstances and situations. Daniella modeled that for me.

Take a few moments NOW to closely look at your life and your surroundings. Applying Daniella's perspective, wisdom and appreciation, what list of blessings could you create for yourself, your family or your classroom?
Do you recognize the abundance, bounty and beauty present in your life? I know it may be hard to do when
you see yourself bounded to external influences. Unhook, detach, let-go! Recession-proof your thinking and
dive deeply into the place within that knows the Truth. I wonder what you will discover. (If you are inspired to share your discoveries with other readers, please email them to me and I will gladly add it them to the website newsletter.) I invite you to make this a spiritual practice, dedicating one minute daily to becoming more conscious of the goodness and great-fullness of your life.

Wishing you all a season of love, illumination and deep gratitude. May your holidays be filled with memorable treasures and pleasures.
THANK YOU, Daniella!
SHALOM!
Lovingly,
Adrian Reznik
Blessings in my life this moment: another day, canine friend Phia, beloved friends, freedom, movement, music, youth, a never ending child-like wonder, a strong, healthy body, fragrant roses, compassion, rest, breath, voice, reverence, silliness, silence and stillness, the pitter-patter of rain and the warmth of sunshine, shelter, nourishment, family, vision, sight, touch, resourcefulness, inner wisdom, discretion, my spiritual ear, kindness, creative ideas, color, the generosity of Mother earth, Spirit.

Copyright © 2008 Adrian Reznik

“Heaven on earth is an experience of shifting one’s consciousness from what isn’t working to what is.”
Today I experience “heaven on earth” as a healthy body, a loving marriage, meaningful work, 2 cool kids, my parents and brothers, my doggie, food and shelter, and the mighty blessing of beautiful friendships that I honor and cherish. I’d love for you to share your heaven with me - Love, Kim

Thank you for Daniella’s story. Like most of us I can get a little morose thinking about the fact that given a healthy 401k I’d be retired right now. When I read stories like this I remember that I have a fairly safe and solid job for which I am paid very well. I live in a warm house surrounded by my beastly family who like me, eat
maybe too well. Sometimes I forget just how good I have things. Johnboy

The twinkle in my daughter's eye, puppy's breath, the clean smell after a hard rain, friends I can depend on. CC

Hearts, flowers, babies' giggles, best friends, fresh, hot cookies. 8 year old Sean

This year I didn't receive very many commercial gifts from my students, in fact only 3 total. One was a bag of needed classroom supplies, another a box of candy and a tie, and the third a keychain that said #1 teacher. What I did receive this year that I hadn't in the past was numerous hand made X-mas cards, and some old
lights from one family. We decorated our room with the lights, and eventually all of the cards. The cards mean more then another christmas mug or teaching mug, Some ornament that says #1 teacher, or 20 boxes of
candy with undesirable fillings. I too have noticed children not discussing the material things. Personally, I
think (myself included) American's needed this wake up call to awaken us to live wihtin our means, and follow the true gift of being debt free and financially secure. I've lost 4 kids now to foreclosures. All of the kids talk
about it, and we've talked about it as a class. Most of my kids are from working paycheck to paycheck families, and they are scared. You can see it in their faces and the things they say. Jim

Wow; this is so sweet…thanks for the gifts and sharing and reminders…..i too just realized yesterday the purpose of this season is to reCONNECT with all those we don’t take moments out to be with during the other 35+ days to see…Sumr

I'm grateful for the beautiful blue flowers outside my window, the birds dancing in the trees to their own rythm
and song and to another day to be alive. jj