An Attitude of Gratitude

"If the only prayer you were to ever say was 'thank you',

that would be enough.

Meister Eckhart

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, and the beginning of the Holiday Season, it can be a good time to pause and reflect on all of the abundance that fills our lives. So often we can find ourselves constantly thinking about what we don't have, or what we think we need to be happy; yet as the Zen teaching tells us, 'Contentment is found in the realization of how much you already have'. You might take a few moments right now, and bring someone or something that you are truly grateful for into your heart. Close your eyes and get a sense of breathing a deep appreciation for this person or thing into your heart, and inwardly say, 'I Love you and I thank you'. Notice how this 'attitude of gratitude' makes you feel inside.

Scientific research has shown that this 'attitude of gratitude' not only makes us feel good, but also boosts our immune system, alleviates depression and lowers blood pressure. Not only that, research is also affirming that every cell in our body is wired with an expectation of receiving more of whatever our predominant feeling is. So for insatance, if you tend to be joyous and grateful most of the time, your cells will 'expect' to feel more of the same. Of course, the opposite is also true; if you tend to be unhappy, depressed or feel that you don't have enough; your cells will 'expect' to receive more of that feeling as well. As most of us already know, when we take the time and fully appreciate what we have already been given, it opens the door for even more blessings to flow into our lives.

My wish for all of you reading this, is that your hearts be filled with a 'prayer of gratitude' this Thanksgiving; for all the blessings that fill your life, and for every moment that you have the opportunity to celebrate your brief time on this beautiful earth. And now, as I wish you Happy Thanksgiving, I leave you with these powerful words from John Hule:

"I RECEIVE ALL OF LIFE WITH THANKSGIVING -

I HAVE GRATITUDE FOR EVERYTHING THAT HAS BROUGHT ME TO THIS MOMENT.

I GIVE THANKS FOR THE JOYS AND SUFFERINGS,

THE MOMENTS OF PEACE AND THE FLASHES OF ANGER,

THE COMPASSION AND THE INDIFFERENCE,

THE ROAR OF MY COURAGE AND THE COLD SWEAT OF MY FEAR.

I ACCEPT GRATEFULLY THE TOTALITY OF MY PAST AND MY PRESENT.

I CELEBRATE ALL OF IT!

CELEBRATION IS AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE!

GRATITUDE IS LIKE THE PRAYER, WHILE CELEBRATION IS THE HYMN AND SACRED DANCE.

CELEBRATION IS IT'S OWN ROAD TO GRATITUDE.

GRATITUDE IS THE PRAYER, WHILE CELEBRATION IS THE DANCE OF PRAISE!