Meditation of Gratitude

Gratitude, gratefulness and thanks-giving are one of the laws of life. As you look around, you find that everyone is absorbed in his or her own world. As you analyze yourself, you may find that since childhood, you have been brought up in such a way that important “I” takes lead over most important “We”. You aspire, struggle, and put in tons of effort to fulfill your aspirations. The journey from aspiration to achievement is possible only because of all that you have received and all that you are receiving and all that you will receive. This flow is continuous and uninterrupted. So you tend to consider this flow from the entire Universe as your birthright and are oblivious to your duty to be grateful.

Learn to care for people and be grateful for what they have given you. Be grateful to every single person you know. Don’t leave yourself out. Similarly you can be grateful to every event of your life. You can be thankful because the worst could have happened. So thank everyone and grow to become BIG – Be In Gratitude.

“Let’s be grateful for those who give us happiness; they are the charming gardeners who make our soul bloom” – Marcel Proust.

Exercise:

• Sit in a calm and quiet place. Starting from your hair to toes, express gratitude to each and every part of your body.

• Learn to thank the abstract forces of nature for the weather, sunshine etc.

• Never go to bed before writing your today’s gratitude list every day.

Gratitude is the best attitude that hems your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel. Gratitude leads you to a direct feeling of connection to life. It also brings the realization that there is a wider context in which your personal story is unfolding. Gratitude elicits the feelings of generosity that create happiness, softens a heart that has become too guarded. It builds capacity for forgiveness that creates the clarity of mind which is necessary for spiritual development.

There’s no doubt you have experienced difficulties, disappointments, tragedies and challenges in your own life. It helps you in keeping away from either the negative or the positive aspects of life by allowing you to meet life in each moment as it arises. Getting relieved of the never ending worries and wants of your life, even temporarily, is liberating.

“ Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”1 Thessalonians 5:18

Learn more about Meditation for Balance and Determination.

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