Gratitude

How amazing to think it often takes a small crisis to help us understand and appreciate what is really essential in life. Facing a short and unexpected illness, I reflected on the importance of the simple things that life provides us. Things we often take for granted.

Every day we are engaged in joys we may not even recognise. We live in a war free country, with an abundance of clean water, fresh food, beautiful landscapes and typically awesome weather. The beauty that comes with changing of the seasons, the unconditional gift of an animal’s love, the steady beat of our own heart, a calm and peaceful mind. All is a gift.

It seems incomprehensible to witness how easily these substantial gifts are overlooked. We appear to downplay the importance of a right to voice our personal opinions in the community. At times, we think very little about the meaning of a life lived according to explicit beliefs and individual values. In our quest to ‘get more’, ‘be more’ and ‘have more’ we often forget to take time out and feel grateful or find the space and silence in our day to count our many blessings.

This month, I invite you to take an inventory of your life and give thanks. Most people do not intentionally decide to focus on negative issues, yet much of a day can be spent finding errors, critiquing insignificant topics, thinking about how people “should behave”… according to and determined by, ‘what is right”’. Universally, we spend valuable time and energy on things we ‘do not like’, ‘do not want’, or ‘cannot change’.

A wise mentor once shared important advice by asking “Can you change this challenging situation?” When I replied ‘probably not’, he said “If not then simply let go … let the situation go”. Following this line of thought always helps.

Do you grow impatient because your time appears wasted?
Or squander your precious moments ruminating about how things ‘should’ be?

Deepak Chopra (2014) says “it’s not necessary to radically restructure your life. These moments of presence are available in every breath we take . . . they are there in the gap between every thought we have. When we are truly conscious, we may experience moments when our pure self shines through and suddenly life flows smoothly, sweetly, and peacefully.”

Research provides us with evidence to demonstrate how consigning energy enables growth. Similarly it is with fear, anxiety, stress, anger, and alternatively, love, compassion, courage and inner strength. The more we give energy to these conditions, the more they expand.

So who controls your energy? Which part of your life could use a little more gratitude?

• Health
• Relationships
• Passions
• Career
• Finances
• Success
• Nature
• Happiness

Take time out each night to consider the highlight of your day and give thanks.

• Who or what made you smile today?
• What did you learn today?
• Who helped you to do that?
• What strengths did you tap into?
• What senses made you feel alive?
• What service did you provide for others?
• What plans do you have to repay an act of kindness?

And just for today:
Select three people you appreciate yet have never taken time to let them know. Share this information with them without looking for payback or feedback of any kind. Help them understand how their contribution has endorsed and uplifted your life.

Now sit back and observe the exchange of energy… energy that is always available, energy that is working hard to heal and maintain your peaceful heart.

Practice awareness, stop waiting for a crisis, take positive action today and build the momentum. Every living day here on earth is a blessing. It’s a time for gratitude.

References and Acknowledgements
Chopra, D &. Tracy, K,. (2010) On My Way to a Happy Life. USA: Hay house Publishing
Bryne, R. (2012) The Magic. London: Simon & Schuster
Paul Gilroy (Personal Communication) TAD, GCIT 2013