I'm writing this blog as a gentle reminder for all of us to take time today to focus on those things which we are blessed to receive and experience in our lives. There is so much to be grateful for in this world, so much beauty, love, and abundance all around us. It can be easy to forget about these things, and to take them for granted--even the most simple things, like having access to running water, electricity, and an abundance of food. How many times have you found yourself comparing yourself to others, wishing you had more, or wishing your life was different in some way? Yet for most of us living in developed countries, we are incredibly blessed with basic life sustaining amenities that billions of people around the world don't even have access to. Not to mention the beauty all around us; the mountains, ocean, and incredible beauty of nature. The capacity of the human heart is incredible too, with the potential for such kindness, compassion, and love to be expressed! Everyday there are millions of people around the world doing kind things for one another, for animals, and the earth, which often go unreported or unnoticed.
So take a few moments today to practice gratitude, to take stock of all the blessings in your life. Let the appreciation flow from your heart for how blessed you are, even for what appear to be the smallest gifts in your life. Just a few minutes a day can change your life.
What are you grateful for today? Make a list, and when you do, really meditate on the feelings of appreciation for those things which you are grateful for. Here are just a few examples of things to reflect on....Friends, family members, pets, your body, your health, your job, your coworkers, beautiful flowers, adorable puppies and kittens, beautiful places on the earth that make your heart sing with joy....What else can you find gratitude for? ...Inspiring works of art and music, for dancing, for having freedom to choose how you want to create your life, for having freedom to choose where you want to live, and what to do with yourself? Just a few ideas. :)
Gratitude is one of the most powerfully healing emotions that a person can feel, and has the ability to transform one's experience of life and others. The culture in which we live, however, does not wholly support an attitude of gratitude, and it can be easy to slip into a mindset of lack, bitterness, or resentment towards life. Gratitude is like a muscle, and the more one practices, the easier it becomes to feel the natural abundance all around us. This video on gratitude is so simple and beautiful, so take a moment today to watch it and reflect on your life a bit.
Blessings and love,