Question of the Month: What Are Some Gratitude Practices That Really Work?
One of the most powerful tools is to “count your blessings.” As Charles Dicken’s sage advice explores:
“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
We all have much to be thankful and be in gratitude for. I was reflecting on my daily morning walk today about the blessings in my life: living in a free country, having a lovely family, good health, meaningful relationships, a healthy body and mind, a strong sense of purpose, and leaving behind a worthy legacy – I have so much to be grateful for.
Another strong tool that I have often used is to seek inner guidance. It is important that your intentions in seeking inner guidance are pure, sincere and in the highest good for all involved in the challenging situation which includes the person who may have caused you harm.
From Proverbs 15:33, we are reminded “Humility comes before honor.” The ego needs to be totally surrendered to the high power – “Let go: Let God.” This wise inner guidance – that lives in all of us – has consistently helped me understand why I attracted this seemingly negative experience in my life and thus guided me to extract the lessons I needed to progress in my spiritual journey. There are gifts which help you make the changes you need to make to become a better person. This does not mean that any one of us is a bad person, it only means we can become better. There is no limit to personal spiritual growth and these lessons handled properly propel us towards enlightenment. It is often through the hard hits in our lives that our souls find purpose and growth in their spiritual evolution.
Finally, remember the beautiful inspirational words of Rumi on Gratitude:
Guest House
Written by 13th Century Persian poet, Rumi
~~~~~
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
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