Thankful, Grateful, Blessed

Life is about not knowing, having to change, 

taking the moment and making the best of it, 

without knowing what’s going to happen next. 

Delicious Ambiguity. 

~~ Gilda Radner

Greetings to all my precious people!!!

We are in the week of harvest at the end of November, a time traditionally celebrated with family, food, football and parades. But the spirit of Thanksgiving is much more than scheduled events. As we all gather to celebrate gratitude and blessings, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you—to the incredible patients and community of seekers who have graced my Path at Touchstone Acupuncture since 2010. You gifted me with the privilege of supporting your health and well-being, and this ongoing healing journey would not be possible without your trust and partnership. 

I want every one of you to reflect on the resilience, courage, faith and commitment to self-care you bring to each of your days. You hold the miracle, you have the magic, you are the source of healing—and I am humbled to be able to reflect that back to you during clinical treatment and beyond. Thank you all for the inspiration you demonstrate as you navigate the Earth journey with all its trials and tribulations. The healing process in the room flows between patient and practitioner, each of us holding a part of the puzzle. I am grateful for the lessons you have taught me about the levels of human experience and promise to hold them close to my heart.

I look forward to continuing to provide compassionate care, whether through acupuncture, herbal medicine, or simply being a source of support for your life adventures. May your holiday be filled with warmth, connection, and moments of peace. I look forward to continuing to serve you and the Sound Shore community in the months and years ahead.

To celebrate this day of reflection, renewal and thankfulness, here is a poem from John O’Donohue (1956-2008), an Irish scholar, poet and philosopher, and expert on Celtic spirituality. It is titled “Beannacht” (BANN-ockt) which is the Irish word for “Blessing.” This is the youtube link to hear John in his own voice reading the poem:

BEANNACHT

On the day when

the weight deadens

on your shoulders

and you stumble,

may the clay dance

to balance you.

And when your eyes

freeze behind

the grey window

and the ghost of loss

gets in to you,

may a flock of colours,

indigo, red, green,

and azure blue

come to awaken in you

a meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays

in the currach of thought

and a stain of ocean

blackens beneath you,

may there come across the waters

a path of yellow moonlight

to bring you safely home.

May the Nourishment of the Earth be yours,

May the Clarity of Light be yours,

May the Fluency of the Ocean be yours,

May the Protection of the Ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow

wind work these words

of love around you,

an invisible cloak

to mind your life.

~ John O’Donohue ~