If You’re Doing Something – Thank You!

By Fiona Reilly

Guest Writer for Wake Up World

Originally published at True Living and reproduced here with permission.

It’s wonderful to hear, see and feel the heightened awareness of climate and pollution issues over the past few months (at least here in the UK). Thanks to David Attenborough everyone is aware of the plastic issue and changes are being implemented at a government, local and personal level. The Extinction Rebellion is an awesome movement that is highlighting awareness of some crucial issues. Gretna Thunberg, the Swedish teenager is inspiring young and old with her passionate pleas. There is a lot to celebrate and be grateful for! While life on Gaia is in seriously threatened, it is wonderful to see people’s concern coming to the fore and changes being implemented.

Sometimes we may feel deep sadness as a result of the devastation that is happening on Gaia. We may feel despondent and hopeless at the level of destruction and greed that continues to escalate. Or we may feel overwhelmed, powerless and frustrated. Yet, there is so much beauty and magic in our world, so much to appreciate. While it’s important to process fear, anger or other associated feelings that may arise as a result of the current chaos, we need to find a balance as opposed to getting lost in the despair and negativity. It can be helpful to find and focus on the positive elements too.

We don’t need to do everything or feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation, rather implement the things that feel most important to us. Make one little choice in this moment, take one step at a time. Perhaps the biggest contribution we can make is to reduce consumption, though this article isn’t for suggesting what to do, there’s plenty of information to be found about that. It’s about encouraging us to feel into our own hearts and make conscious choices in how we live our lives and celebrate the positive impact we can achieve. Living from our hearts we shine a light that brightens up the whole world.

Thank you!

The Universe often guides me to relevant material when I am writing something and today I came across this quote in an article by Mary O Malley that seemed apt “You are a necessary and unique expression of life. In this time of chaos on this planet, one of the most powerful things you can do to become a healing presence is to know that you are essential and needed. Or, as Eckart Tolle once said, “You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are.”” Thank you for being here and contributing your unique and beautiful self to the world.

Gratitude has been shown to be correlated to joy. Let’s be grateful for all the positive things that are happening all around us every day. A friend sent me this quote by an unknown author –

“To the person who uses metal straws to save fish, but consumes animals, I’d like to say thank you. To the vegan who isn’t aware of our homelessness problem, thank you. To the climate change activists who aren’t attentive to fast fashion, thank you. To the girl who gives her old clothes to the disadvantaged but isn’t educated on sex trafficking, thank you. To the guy who picks up rubbish on his way home from a surf but isn’t well-informed about male suicide rates, thank you.

To the grandparents who knit socks for sick children but aren’t up to date with current race and homophobic issues, thank you. To the students that stand up for bullying but are unaware of the constant domestic violence epidemic, thank you. To the peace activists, feminists, stray dog adopters, teachers, volunteers, foster carers, recyclers, givers, doers and believers, I say thank you. We are all on a different path and we all see through different eyes. Current world issues that you are passionate about, aren’t always what other people are trying to change… and that’s okay. It’s not everyone’s job to save every part of the world but it it everyone’s responsibility to thank every person who is doing THEIR part to save the world. Don’t criticize, just appreciate. Don’t judge, just educate. We are all trying our best. Thank you.”

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who is making a positive contribution to life, no matter how small that contribution may seem. If you haven’t already heard the inspirational story of the little boy saving starfish, you can read it here in an article about how to best be of service. Jaya Bhagavan, has been translated as “Hail God” or “Victory to God”. Recently my friend Jane shared how she sees “Jaya Bhagavan” as a prayer of gratitude or appreciation for the “God” within everything. We can contemplate on all that we appreciate in this precious life. Jaya trees, Jaya friends, Jaya bees, Jaya river… Here is a beautiful rendetion of Jaya Bhagavan to touch your heart. I offer it here as a prayer of gratitude…

With gratitude for what you do to take care of our precious Gaia and the sentient beings that are here,

Fiona.

Recommended Articles by Fiona Reilly:

• Create Art, Not Excuses!
• Finding Love Within
• Tips for Effective Listening
• Tuning Into Your Own Vibration
• DIY Reflexology to Heal and Invigorate
• Attuning to the Flow of the Universe
• Maintaining Healthy Boundaries When Being of Service
• The Value of Breathing Consciously
• Trust Your Own Truth
• You Live, You Learn: Finding Freedom Through Life’s Struggles

About the author:

Fiona is an Active Listening therapist, reflexologist, and experienced doula. She is passionate about living true to her heart and soul and empowering others to do the same. She runs various workshops related to the vibrancy of conscious plant based eating and women’s issues including being childless/free and loves joining women in circle. Her website is www.fionareilly.co.uk or click here for her facebook page – True Living