Gratitude is the deep understanding that life is a gift, not a burden or an assignment…When one experiences Gratitude, one remembers the wonder of creation. -Connie Kaplan
Seemingly out of the blue, no less than six people have initiated conversations about gratitude with me in the past couple of days. Certainly during the month of November, the time we observe Thanksgiving here in the U.S., gratitude becomes part of our national collective consciousness. So perhaps that accounts for some of this. But still this level of conversation strikes me as interesting.
Gratitude is a subject dear to my heart. I think of myself as an extremely blessed person. I love almost everything about my life. But I’m an ordinary person too – I have challenges, sadnesses, places where I’m stuck and/or floundering. Just like everyone else. But I’m certain of one thing. My life is better with a daily gratitude practice. It really is.
I’m convinced gratitude begets happiness. And if there were nothing else true about it, I think that would be more than enough. But the thing is, there IS more. Immersing yourself in the energy, the vibrations, of gratitude, brings more to you to be grateful about. It’s one of those lovely little magic tricks of the universe.
Sure it can be kind of easy to be grateful for the big apparent stuff – what we love about our life. The people and things that make our heart just burst with joy. And that’s certainly a good starting place. But the second you start taking it a bit deeper, it really does seem to expand exponentially. Because being aware of the small stuff makes it so clear there’s beauty, and joy, and support for us in every moment.
Starting a gratitude practice is something I encourage everyone to do. I practically beg people to try it, just so they can experience the sense of connection, the level of being present that it requires; and simply because it’s a feel-good kind of thing. I’ve been offering a Gratitude aromatherapy spray to my clients for a while now, but I’ve just been inspired to put together a limited-edition Gratitude Kit to make the whole thing really easy to dive into.
If you’re already dancing with a gratitude practice you know what I mean when I say it makes a difference. If you’re inspired, please leave a comment about something you’re grateful for today – I’d love to hear. Right now I’m grateful for having a purring kitty sit in my lap reminding me that it’s always fun to sing when you’re happy.
I’m actually feeling incredibly guilty after reading your Gratitude post as last night I was whingeing like the clappers about possibly being in our unit for another two weeks until settlement on our new home.
I know, I know I was tired and cranky but your post was like a wake-up call. I am indeed very grateful that a friend of a friend has offered us this unit only 10 mins from the sea, overlooking the Macleay River and with a sea-breeze keeping down temperatures while the rest of New South Wales swelters in heatwave conditions.
An extra dimension to my gratitude is that a temporary hiatus in my living conditions has made me so aware of the situation of refugees who do not have the hope I do of moving into my own home in two weeks’ time or thereabouts. So many refugees live in cramped, squalid conditions where no plans can be made for an uncertain future. No wonder there is depression, hopelessness and despair, and frantic efforts to find refuge and asylum in countries which appear to offer hope for a more secure future.
I am sad that many here in Australia are closing their hearts to those from overseas who are in need. We live in a rich country and have no idea of the desperation which compels people to try to enter our shores by boat. I am grateful to those who have welcomed modern-day Mary, Jesus and Joseph refugee families to our lovely country and I am grateful for the hope in my heart that the next few years will see an opening of hearts and a remembrance of the words: “Love each other”.
Thank you for this post. I am grateful for kindred, creative spirits worldwide.. and that I can connect with them..and you, via the web. I am thankful for this moment..and for the awareness of how transformative a sacred pause…and a pause of gratitude..can be.
Blessings to you..always.. Cheryl