IT IS ALL ABOUT GRATITUDE
This blog is more of a thank you note to all the researchers, bloggers and writers who have made the miracle of gratitude known to so many. It draws attention to some of the interesting posts and research available. In addition the post is also about how gratitude is changing my life each moment.
The first thought to write about gratitude occurred to me when I was having a walk among the tree lined paths after my yoga class. I realised that I have been grateful to life for a long time now. One of my unceasing prayers has been – Thank you Life for directing my path, for instructing and advising me. I took this as a prayer around a decade ago and since then I have been at it. With hindsight I can say that this was one of my most prominent self talk. This self talk had become second nature to me especially during the times of heightened mental chatter. It helped me as one of the tools to focus on the present moment. I can now look back and see that this has been a source of infinite energy through all my life experiences and taught me to align my present with life’s purpose. It has led me through the challenging as well as happier times. More so through the tough moments of the past. I have truly experienced what Meister Eckhart says “If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.”
So then let us get on with it and explore the meaning of gratitude, why it is important & how we can live gratitude. We all say thank you or thanks often. One of the early lessons taught is – Say thank you and please often. If you are practicing this lesson with reverence then you have been on the path already. If not read on
The Cambridge dictionary meaning of gratitude is “the feeling or quality of being grateful. Being grateful means “showing or expressing thanks”
The book A course in miracles says “What is Heaven but a song of gratitude and love and praise by everything created to the Source of its creation?”
Why is Gratitude such a biggie?
Don’t take my story. There are hundreds of success stories around the world where just through gratitude life has been transformed from one of being challenging to that of peace and abundance. This one “365 grateful” here is an amazing life changing story
There has been research in this field which shows how gratitude works. So it suffices to know that science backs up this non physical . intangible power. You can read more of this here “Science behind gratitude”
How to do gratitude: –
I found this Ted Talk by David Steindl-Rast clear and helpful : you can watch “Want to be happy? Be grateful”
David talks about how each moment or the present moment is full of opportunities and we can & should use this richness of life and avail these opportunities by paying attention to the present moment instead of rushing through life. He ends it wonderfully by saying “A grateful world is a happy world”
Keeping a gratitude journal is one of the key tools often repeated as sage advice. I personally have been using the app “bliss” as my personal gratitude journal.
You can also use gratitude cards prominently displayed . The “unstuck blog” gives 9 influential gratitude cards .
One of the other ways is by making a gratitude list. Prepare your list using Jeff Goins guide “your list”
We can make our life colourful with pictures of gratitude using “365 grateful” .
I started being grateful during a time when I was utterly frustrated and dejected. I was going through a challenging and difficult work place situation .. I had moved to Middle East for a new job. When I arrived on site I noticed that the work I was expected to do was different from what was actually described on the job description sheet as a marine engineer. This mismatch led to strained relations at work with the management team and frequent arguments. This challenge was becoming too much for me to tolerate, however I had to continue because i was afraid of the consequences and the “what if” scenarios my mind was creating. I had to give this a fair shot as this my only source of income and I was literally warned about the drastic consequences of quitting the job in the middle east before a year was over. It was usually a ban from entering the country, for a period of one year, as a minimum. .
It was during this time that I was drawn to the bible and specially the verses that were giving thanks to God & asking for wisdom. I kept wondering how can I thank God during this crisis? but the more i continued just saying thank you! the life situation seemed to change on its own accord. I was led by the hand, so to say, to drop my fear and negotiate my release from the job. Even as this crisis was unfolding and not yet over a new beginning was starting. A consultant approached me to work for a MNC. This job offer changed and transformed my life. The years I spent working at the MNC saw my career grow exponentially. Now when i think back – it was the transformative power of gratitude that led me to a breakthrough by removing the limiting beliefs due to fear
Are you grateful? if not start Now!
Are you looking for a starting point or method? You can choose one of the many ways to start. Rest assured that life will lead you towards a state of abundance through this simple transformative step.
Is there a best way? The best way to do gratitude is through what feels right for you. You can pick and choose any process or method, it is important to feel that state of gratitude with reverence
Here are some more links for you to read and develop your gratitude muscle. As you exercise this more the stronger it will become. You will manifest abundance proportional to the strength you build.
The Change Blog
5 tips to Happier life
Tiny Buddhas Practice gratitude to change your life
Gratitude Log
Do share your gratitude story by leaving a reply/comment and showing your appreciation. Your story will motivate others to start living gratitude
Thank you!! Thank you !!
May all beings be Happy
