Getting excited about life
can sometimes seem elusive when we're dealing with many challenges and the
associated stress. We always want to experience the best that life has to
offer. At times, this preference may have us trying to avoid the challenges life
throws our way. Regardless of my preference though, life seems to proceed and
the challenge is survived. Along the way, as multiple challenging life
situations are simply allowed to co-exist, I discovered an important quality
that sustains and fuels my spirit. Not only does this quality help with the
journey through difficulty, it also attracts positive experiences that can act
as a counter-balance. This quality is gratitude.
Gratitude is more than just
acknowledging thanks. It is more than intellectual exercise. It is much more
than an obligation. Gratitude is a state of being that appreciates all that is
good and welcomed in our life. Gratitude appreciates from the mind through
intentional thought that recognizes the richness of our emotional connections
with others, and all good things that bless our lives. Relationships are the
most significant source for virtually all experiences of gratitude.
Relationship is at play in
every interaction and opportunity with another living being. This is one
significant reason why pets have been recognized as having a therapeutic and
healing effect on patients. The positive experience and exchange of loving energy
is present in that moment creating a brief encounter of gratitude, love, and
joy. The worry and fear related to a loss of health is momentarily forgotten
allowing the fullness of the positive experience to work its' magic. Taking
hold of this perspective, if we acknowledge and allow this focus to become a
guiding presence with every connection to another life, I wonder how much more
gratitude would be experienced and how much more magic would be enjoyed? I have
been enjoying this experience of gratitude and how it positively affects my
outlook and each day. With this enjoyment also comes the fuel to go further,
not just with gratitude, but also with every other area and dream for my life.
A large part of this is the gratitude for the unknown.
The unknown represents the
many surprises that show up every day. Too often, we're so busy with our daily
agenda that we don't take the time to notice the unexpected and discover what
surprise might be available for us in that moment. This is when the unknown can
be thought of as the Unknown, the Mystery, the Universe, the Creator, etc.
Whatever your belief system, there is an invisible element to the beauty and
magic that has created all that we see and experience around us every year.
Noticing the surprises that show up each day can enhance the experience of the
unknown, strengthening the relationship with the Unknown, and increasing the
experience of gratitude. With a focus and attention on gratitude each day, the
experience of it in your body, in your being, heightens a sense of energy that
could be thought of as aliveness. This energy, also a powerful and positive
energy, attracts likeness. This is where it is important to know that gratitude
is more than an intellectual exercise.
Experiencing, or feeling the
energy of gratitude fully in the body is as important as the mental focus on
those things you are grateful for. The mental process assists in the
transformation to living a life of gratitude. The bodily experience will arrive
with consistent mental focus, capturing the negative thoughts and replacing
them with a positive thought, preferably combined within the context of
gratitude. Consistent effort equates to practicing until this outlook and way
of being becomes a habit - a positive habit that replaces one or many negative
habits. As you can see, this is not an exercise of obligatory duty, offering
kindness, thanks, etc., out of a sense of responsibility to others. This is an
act for your own freedom and well-being.
If we are resentful we cannot
experience gratitude. Trying to express gratitude out of duty to another is
misplaced and misdirected. Gratitude isn't about what you are giving another.
Gratitude is about you - being in gratitude - and what it gives you. This again
requires that some attention and focus must be given to the negative thoughts
that are preventing the beautiful and powerful experience of gratitude. Inquire
within yourself to understand the root that blocks your progress. Acknowledge
the weakness once it is identified and invite the weakness to observe while you
dance with possibility through exercising gratitude. In time healing and
transformation will occur. Be patient with the process and yourself.
Too often we want to see
results today, let alone tomorrow. As with the nature of all things, seeds need
time to take root and grow. Even here you can experience gratitude, knowing
that the Unknown is also acting invisibly upon each seed that you plant. The
best aspect of this possible reality is that it relinquishes your need to fret
and worry about the results. This permits other qualities to arise within your
being that also contributes to the fullest experience of gratitude: Faith and
trust. Continue with the journey of gratitude and transformation knowing that
you are going to see results without worrying what those results should look
like. Don't look at where you're not, look at where you are and be joyous!
Gratitude Goes To Another
Level
Frequently an article will be
written when further insight and inspiration will visit with more detail,
additional clarity, or distinctions that require our attention. This was one of
those times.
Gratitude is something that
can seem fickle to some as they try to find something to be grateful for in
their lives. While writing about gratitude, I offered a variety of perspectives
that fuel the need for gratitude and the benefits of gratitude. I spoke of
appreciating and being thankful or grateful for the good things in your life.
Today, while reflecting once again on gratitude, gratitude decided to take it
to another level.
While it makes sense for us
to experience gratitude for the things we have -- appreciating the people and
many things that have blessed our lives -- I was struck by a stark truth that I
actually have nothing. All these people and things simply exist, I cannot truly
possess any of them. Therefore it is more relevant, powerful, potent, and
important to express gratitude simply for what IS rather than what I have. It
is this expression that expands the conscious connection and gratitude to the
Source of All Creation that many refer to as the one true God.
You came into this world with
nothing and you'll leave this world with nothing; at least not in the physical
and tangible way. You will leave with your experiences, memories, and richness
felt through life. Expressing gratitude acknowledges this journey, all the
flavors and tastes along the way, the what is in every moment, and in each and
every acknowledgement also comes the acknowledgement of God's presence at play.
Again, I invite you to explore gratitude.
Article Source: Lee Down
Share what you are grateful for today.
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Isabella ❤
