“Gratitude is a divine attitude in the wisdom traditions.
It takes you out from the ego self and takes you into the higher self.
That higher state of consciousness initiates self repair, self regulation and healing.”
~ Deepak Chopra
Sitting here preparing to write about gratitude, I realize that is exactly what I am feeling today.
My gratitude is about counting my numerous blessings in life, noticing little happiness and simple pleasure, and thanking for everything that I’ve received. While I’m constantly looking for things I am grateful for, I do not always feel that way. When nothing seems to be going right, how am I going to feel the sense of gratitude? Or is it possible to express gratitude if life is throwing stones and pebbles at me for being too kind to myself?
We are not martyr anyway. What is wrong about wanting to vent out our frustrations at times of adversity, sometimes. Yes sometimes is fine, but not all the time. Doing the same thing repeatedly is going to transform into a habit. I do not want this behaviour to become a habit, and a bad one. A better habit is to practice gratitude. To me, gratitude is an emotional strength – it does not only help me to shift my focus from what life lacks to the abundance that is already present, but it also helps me to be aware of the good things (even in unpleasant situations) that happen to me and not to take things for granted. From being able to forgive myself to practicing gratitude, I am becoming a happier person and better at living my life satisfactorily and with content and serenity.
Feeling good and appreciative of little things and blessings in life can produce just as much profound benefits as noticing monumental moments. I truly think that if we focus on things we are grateful for, more of the same will show up for us. Let’s start bringing gratitude to our experiences instead of waiting for a positive experience to feel grateful.
For today – the warm breeze, the laughter of my kids at their Saturday Splash, the proud drawing (of me) by my 4-years old girl and even the the craziness that goes around the house – all fill my heart with gratitude and joy!
What are you grateful for today?