said that being grateful is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all the others. Today many of us are focusing on gratitude, even as we are facing the challenges of social distancing, business closures and furloughs, and worse still the fear of getting sick. All these realities and more are beyond our immediate control. It's why I turn to gratitude as a practice for keeping me calm, keeping me clear and mindful, and in the end, supporting my wellbeing.
I access my gratitude by thinking of those I love. Feelings of gratitude can happen instantly with a thought of someone you love, or a place in nature that inspires you, or a random act of kindness you've witnessed or experienced. Suddenly your spirits are lifted, and relaxation is possible, even if it's just a little. The secret to having greater wellbeing is to cultivate feelings of thankfulness. It is the one thing that no matter what the circumstance we are facing, has the potential to bring forward a state of mindfulness, balance, and clarity. More than ever, we need this quality of wellbeing. Start where you are, and let your gratefulness naturally extend to include everyone. It will grow through your practice, and you'll begin to notice what you may have missed through a rush to judgment or hanging on to misunderstandings. Let compassion be your guide. One way to invite in the experience of gratefulness is through a thank you prayer. My thank you prayer has sustained me throughout my life with an underlying reassurance that if nothing else was added, what I have is enough. Let today be a continuous thank you prayer. Be well, my friends. May your day be peaceful and productive. |
Paulette Sun Davis
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