Gratitude is an important part of any spiritual practise, and Thanksgiving is a helpful reminder to focus on what is present rather than on what we perceive as absent. Lack is a concept we come up with in our own minds, and what we feel we don’t have, others may not ever think they need. Taken from this perspective, “lack” is an illusion. But what is present, especially the human ability to feel emotion at any given time, is an abundantly available reality that each one of us can choose to enjoy at any given moment. Gratitude is a gift you give yourself that only seems to increase with time. When you are grateful for one thing, you are more aware of the existence of gratitude. Awareness of what we feel positive about can make us receptive to being appreciative of something or someone else. In other words, the more we appreciate, the more we find to be appreciative of, and gratitude builds upon itself like this in a cycle if we allow it.
Gratitude is also a gift that’s given to others because appreciation can be psychologically contagious and tends to improve relationships. Appreciation creates acceptance, and acceptance is a prerequisite to a peaceful heart. As internal and sometimes external circumstances improve due to the practise of gratitude, you might notice an intensified ability to accept the benevolence of life not only as a possibility, but also as a probability.
Giving thanks for the ability to feel gratitude can be a powerful experience. The more you thank the thank you, the more the thank you thanks you back.
I hope you enjoy your holiday. Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!
“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” – Thornton Wilder
