Honoring Po: A Reflection on Gratitude & Consciousness
This Thanksgiving week, my heart swells with gratitude—not just for the abundance of this moment but for the profound experiences that have shaped it. Among them, I am deeply thankful for the journey I shared with our sweet dog, Po. His companionship was a gift, and his transition has left an indelible mark on my soul.
In his final weeks, I sensed Po’s resilience as if he was being strong for me. It was only after I made the appointment with the vet that his decline accelerated, almost as if he knew it was okay to let go. The kids flew home early to ensure we could all be together. Friday, we welcomed visitors to say their goodbyes. And Saturday, in a private family ceremony, we honored Po, showering him with love and gratitude in his final moments. And lots and lots of his favorite treat.
Po’s presence in my life was nothing short of magical. Po and I trained as a therapy team together and he went into retirement homes, hospitals and was the library reading dog. His gentle spirit taught me and many others patience, unconditional love, and the quiet power of simply being there. As I reflect on his transition, I’m reminded of the transformative power of gratitude—not just in moments of joy but also in times of profound loss.
Elevating Gratitude into Conscious Living
This experience has inspired me to enter this holiday season with a different form of gratitude. Gratitude as a way of being, seeing, and slowing down to recognize the beauty and significance of each moment. How often do we underestimate the impact of gratitude, rushing through life without pausing to appreciate what truly matters?
This season invites us to expand our awareness. Let’s reflect on the gifts we’ve been given, not just in material abundance but in relationships, experiences, and lessons. When we approach life from a space of gratitude, we open ourselves to wonder, connection, and joy that transcends the material.
A Practice for the Holidays
Here’s a simple yet powerful exercise for this holiday season: start each day with a word that sets the tone for how you’ll show up.
Grateful: Reflect on the blessings already present in your life.
Hopeful: Envision the possibilities that lie ahead.
Co-creative: Intentionally bring positive energy into your interactions.
Present: Slow down and give your attention fully to the moment.
These words serve as gentle reminders to align with what truly matters.
Closing with Gratitude
As we are starting the final arc of this year, I find myself with a renewed sense of awareness, appreciating the wonder and magic woven into every aspect of life. Po’s journey was a poignant reminder that even in loss, there is beauty to be found.
I invite you to reflect on your moments of gratitude this season. How can you carry that energy forward into the new year? Let’s end this year with open hearts, grounded in the present, and ready to embrace all life offers.