Gratitude

As this New Year begins, I am once more brought to a place where gratitude is a recurring theme in my life, heart and mind.

The fourth precept says: I will be grateful for my many blessings

Gratitude is a result of mindfulness, of being present to the moment, being open to see the gifts life presents us with each day, of awareness of ourselves and others. It brings forth in me a sense of humbleness. When one is grateful one is acknowledging the receipt of gifts. True gifts, given with no burdens or obligations attached to them. Many times I see these gifts as small encouragements along the path. When we are complaining about life, its burdens and griefs, its losses and denials, when we are afraid, worried and angry, we have no room for gratitude, no eyes to see it, hearts to receive it, lives to express it.

What is gratitude?

It is a practice. A daily direction. A choice. But most of all, a practice. As we work our muscles of gratitude – whether we feel it or not – we change the direction of our lives and hearts by setting that inner compass to point to the place of acknowledging that which we have to be grateful for in our lives right now – no matter what the circumstances. The universe of love finds a way every day to speak a word of love to us in our lives. Honing the ability to find that word, to see it, hear it, receive it, creates a new energy, a new path, a new way of being in our relationship to ourselves, others and to the world we live in. We need to practice diligently to learn to find and acknowledge that daily message of love. This comes through practicing gratitude. When we do, like the true wealth of life, it will change our hearts and change our lives, opening paths, inviting abundance and spiritual connection into the darkest moments and places.

Practice daily Gratitude in 2017, and watch how that one simple practice changes your life.

#template Here is a simple template for a daily gratitude reflection:

This morning I am grateful for:

This evening I am grateful for:

Reflection: What message of love have I received from the universe today? In what ways have I been supported, guided and directed?

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