November 2021

“The greatest gift one can give is thanksgiving. In giving gifts, we give what we can spare, but in giving thanks we give ourselves.”

Br. David Steindl-Rast

It’s easy for us to look around the Thanksgiving dinner table and say that we are thankful. Some are surrounded by family, friends, and food and at that moment in time, we’re currently experiencing that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with a holiday gathering; we’re thankful. We may feel thankful for their presence in our lives, and happy that everyone is well since the last gathering. However, gratitude goes much deeper than this. It is a state of being, where you feel a sense of appreciation that comes from deep within. You are at peace with the world and appreciate that situation deep within. The feeling of calm these thoughts and emotions recall we find fulfilling.

What if you discovered that living with awareness and intention — focusing on what makes you feel most alive — allows you to: live longer; experience joy; inspire others; hold pain and grief with compassion; and deepen love, generosity, and respect for all life?

Throughout this season of Thanksgiving, we invite you to explore ways to experience grateful living as a way of life, not simply something we celebrate once a year.

Each day, tell someone in your life you appreciate them. You might even try it with someone you’re struggling with interpersonally.

How does it feel to verbally express your appreciation for someone? What happens in your body and your heart? How does it impact your relationship with this person?

Take time to wholeheartedly express gratitude for all the people who serve you in some way. Rather than a quick thank you, explore what it feels like to pause, smile, make eye contact, perhaps even steal a glance at someone’s name tag so that you can include their name when you say, “Thank you.”

Wish them well and mean it. How does this shift your experience of receiving? How does the practice shift your experience of thanking others?

As we head into that special time in November, find a Gratitude Journal, and open your mind up to just how helpful this simple practice may be on the path toward embracing your thankfulness.

A Gratitude Journal is the practice of jotting down, each day, things that we are grateful for and allow us to become more present and aware.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Source | Psychologytoday.com | Gratefulness.org

We wish you nothing but splendor.