A man by the name of Alfred Painter once said that "saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality." I couldn't agree more. Religions and philosophies have long embraced gratitude as an indispensable virtue needed to become an exemplary mortal. Thankfulness, which can be expressed toward loved ones, nature or the Universe (a.k.a. God), fills us with a sense of wonder and appreciation for la vie.
According to recent studies, such as the Research Project on Gratitude and Thanksgiving, those who regularly practice grateful thinking reap emotional, physical, and interpersonal benefits. Focusing on the gifts you have serve as an antidote to envy, resentment, regret and other negative states that undermine long-term happiness. In other words, gratitude is good for your health. With that said, let's raise our glasses and start counting our blessings.
Now, I am not talking about being thankful for the abundance of 'stuff' in our lives such as TiVo, Dippin' Dots or your iPod. I'm thinking more of the basic yet essential experiences in life.
Health
In my own opinion health is one of the most important things. We take our health for granted until our body fails us in some way. Every part of you is needed down to your baby toe. Now, I know some of you out there may be in incredible pain or suffering from an illness. But as someone who has lived in physical pain for three years, I know it can always get worse. So be thankful. Truly. And know that obsessing on the pain only keeps you down. Pain and suffering comes with being in physical form. It is what allows us to grow as spiritual beings. So for instance if you broke your femur don't be thankful for that (it only reinforces the wrong thing) but perhaps be thankful that the experience gave you a much needed break (pun intended), allowed you to finish a project or learn how to knit.
"True thankfulness is gratitude for life's learning opportunities and for spirit being present to get the lesson to sink in," says Dr. Charlene M. Proctor, Founder of The Goddess Network and author of Let Your Goddess Grow. Every circumstance no matter how painful, is meant to keep us learning on our soul journey. Living with an attitude of gratitude simply helps us manage life's complexity.
El Sol
Ah, the beautiful and magnificent sun. We've been worshipping and relishing the sun for ages. It comes out every day. It's as much a constant as change itself. And here in Southern California we can pretty much count on its warmth and light on a daily basis. Yeah! It brightens the darkest of moods. In fact sun triggers a response to the hormone melatonin which is in part responsible for preventing the blues. Research reveals that two hours of morning sun is effective in lifting depression. The sun also helps us reach our important daily allowance of Vitamin D and reduces our risk of osteoporosis. So let's thank the sun for its shine!
Your People
We live in a fast-paced chaotic world. Your friends and family give life meaning and create a much needed support system. They make you laugh and give you joy. So be thankful that you are loved or at least tolerated and generally thought of as one hell of a person.
The Not so Obvious
Be Thankful for:
Taxes, it means you're employed.
Your heating bill, it means you are warm.
The space you finally find at the end of the parking lot, for it means you can walk.
The shrill of the alarm clock because it means you are alive.
~ Taken from an Ann Landers column 11/22/01
Your ZZZZ's
About a third of one's life is spent in sleep -- what many deem a useless state of being. But zzzz's are tremendously vital. Ask any insomniac! We need sleep just as much as oxygen. It increases efficiency, extends your life, cures illnesses and prevents you from going crazy. I used to think sleep was a waste of time. But then I experienced insomnia and boy do I now appreciate my sleep. I am in constant state of gratitude. So thank Hypnos (the God of Sleep) for ushering you into dreamland. Don't skimp on sleep or feel bad for sleeping in.
As you lay down to sleep, spend a moment to recount what you are grateful for on this day. It is a way to stay in tune with the good things around you. And if you're a sour puss and need a little kick in the behind, try incorporating affirmations to remind you to be thankful for yourself. Dr. Charlene M. Proctor suggests these:
1. I can do anything I set my mind to
2. I help people where ever I go by being an example of strength and wisdom
3. I channel divine love to aid in this situation
4. I am supported by the universe where ever I go
5. My difficulties today allow me to cultivate wisdom. I am a wise soul!
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