For those of you who may be new to who I am and what I do, my name is Krystin… and (amongst other things) I am the Keeper of a Grateful Jar. A daily ritual in which I put pen to paper and write out, long hand, experiences from the day I am grateful for.
These notes (affectionately referred to as my “gratefulls”) are then deposited in my Grateful Jar throughout the year. On Winter Solstice, I empty the Jar, and create the opportunity to unfold and read each and every single one– basking in a year’s worth of appreciation.
Often I am asked, “what do you do with them afterwards?”
Venturing off to one of my favourite Sunshine Coast campsites, I offer them up in ceremony. Casting a circle, invoking the four directions and the elements, inviting the angels, all my guides, and ancestors to create and hold sacred space with me, as I give thanks, for all of it.
Once the circle has been cast, and the air is electric from unseen current, I bring forth the “gratefulls” into the circle as an offering.
When the smoke rises, I imagine my gratitude riding the wind. Plus, there is something exceptional about being warmed by the “gratefulls” that cannot be articulated.
You would think that a fire fuelled primarily by paper would burn quickly. One wet log was already in the fire pit, the only other thing I offered was sage (it smelled amazing!)
and the dried six feet tall reeds that had been our “dark and twisty Solstice tree” this year.
Close to 365 pages were offered to the fire slowly and in stages. Allowing ample time for contemplation and appreciation. It was an exceptionally foggy day on the Sunshine Coast, and I was accompanied by a particularly delightful sound, one I’d not heard before at that location. Chelsea of CBR Photography caught it… check it out at the end of the video clip below.
A trip to the lake would be incomplete without a visit to the water itself.
T’was a particularly full-circle experience because so many of my “gratefulls” were time spent at this location with my family. Especially, this year, a Mother’s Day camping trip in the pouring rain with an orchestra of frog-song so loud at night, you couldn’t hear yourself think– which is never a bad thing!
It has been quite the journey with this Grateful Jar of mine that I once upon discovered perched high on a dusty thrift store shelf.
Originally, it came home with me to hold the spare change retrieved from the depths of my pocket. The jar served that purpose for three years, before spirit whispered to me, “Put your gratitude in that”. Thus, my Grateful Jar experience was initiated.
Unexpectedly, the first year of the practice morphed into an intimately vulnerable memoir that became a best-seller. I’ve toured on speaking engagements about the practice, and have since had the honour of guiding more than a hundred individuals in establishing their own Grateful Jar rhythms.
Have you ever tried starting your own Grateful Jar but had difficulties establishing the habit?
Or maybe you’ve had a practice, but for whatever reason it withered.
Whether you are new to the practice, have hit a plateau, or are looking to try again, join me in A Year of Awe and Reverence with The Grateful Jar Collective!
With all the psychic pollution in our world, I am committed to making this experience as financially accessible as possible.
First live session is Sunday February 27th!
Memorials… New Home Blessings… Baby Namings… Coming of Age Ceremonies… Dedications… Separation/Divorce Rituals… and everything in between.
All photographs captured by the amazing Chelsea @ CBR Photography.