Wherever you are, in whatever experience you're having at this time of great global change, are you witnessing the flowers, early morning birds, streaks of color cast across an evening sky? Some of us are noticing even more...because we find ourselves pausing, gazing, daydreaming, looking both outward and inward with new, sharper senses. And some have no time to look up because they are literally tasked with saving the rest of us, and we all collectively embrace and thank you.

Have you had the experience of being more thankful than ever, a surge of gratitude? I made a list the other day of The Lasts--last movie in public (Little Women), last restaurant I ate in (Pho An), last hug (my cat, Ruby), last concert (Cat Power), last road trip (California), and so on. And what I found was not grief, rather incredible, powerful waves of gratitude. I believe this is happening for many of us, and when we're in a new phase and can once again sit next to a stranger on a park bench and smile, hug with abandon, and celebrate our ceremonies, it will bring us to a new level of conscious awareness, thankful as never before.

You might take a moment and explore: What are you thankful for right now? What do you miss and what have you gained? What has surprised you, was unexpected? What are five things that give you hope?