Gratitude for Gratitude's Sake

Most of us were taught to say, “Thank you” when handed/gifted something, there were those of us that were told to send thank you cards, some of us were raised to say a blessing before meals, and most of us recognize that Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to be grateful, with our families and friends. As adults, especially in a conscious community, we learn how being in gratitude is serving, especially for our relationships.

What makes gratitude so important?

According to UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Research Center: "Having an attitude of gratitude changes the molecular structure of the brain, keeps gray matter functioning, and makes us healthier and happier. When you feel happiness, the central nervous system is affected. You are more peaceful, less reactive and less resistant.”

When you see life through the lens of gratitude, you’re more inclined to feel empowered, whereas, feeling annoyed or irritated brings up feelings of victimhood.

This is where the perspective of “life is happening for me, not to me” is played out.

Fundamentally, gratitude is intended to change three things:

~ Your past

~ Your present

~ Your future 

Looking at the stories, layers, and experiences of your past, whether it was childhood trauma, challenging relationships, difficult jobs or health issues, gratitude gives you the perspective that everything you experienced was designed for your growth and evolution.

Sitting in your present moment and witnessing all that surrounds you: life on our amazing planet, the home and devices that allow you to live with ease, your capable body, alongside the food that nourishes you, you can choose to see and consciously be grateful for all that you have.

None of us know the future, yet when we look out from the lens of all that we have experienced and realize that whatever may come into our lives is serving to create the continued unfolding of our legacy, this is where we allow ourselves to be grateful for whatever shows up, it will continue to support us along our path.

Even though we have been taught to say thank you, and use it outwardly, we may still need support in creating a practice that supports us to live in gratitude, as a habit, rather than experience it as an occasional, random act. This way when tragedy strikes or hard times show up in your life your practice of gratitude will be stable. Your relationship with yourself feels held in gratitude.

A practice of gratitude, as an experience, is often guided by one’s awareness of the breath and having a meditation practice that supports the inward relationship.

Gratitude is a journey toward surrender, compassion, healing and evolving.