Gratitude is about living in the present moment. When we’re not noticing all the good that’s in our lives, we often keep striving to achieve more, be more, get more. Or sometimes we’re locked into the past, into what didn’t work for us then. Holding onto wounds and feeling angry or hurt by past events and people victimizes us and keeps us from the present. It takes away our power. Actually we take away our own power.
When we’re in the middle of a bad experience, sometimes we don’t feel like there’s anything to be grateful for. But the negative thoughts and energy we are experiencing can be transformed or neutralized by introducing gratitude & forgiveness practices into our lives.
Sarah Ban Breathnach offers a simple exercise in her book Simple Abundance. Her idea is to write down 5 things we are grateful for each day, either in the morning or at night. The items don’t have to be earthshaking, she says, rather they can be as simple as giving thanks for a comfortable bed at the end of a difficult day.
This exercise works for anyone. It can make a good life better, and can go a long way towards changing our energy if and when we get into negativity. Sometimes people approach life from a “glass is half-empty” philosophy. This simple exercise can open our eyes to the positive that is all around us.
I’ve begun a new practice: When I feel a qualm about anything, whether it be my writing, my client sessions, an upsetting thought about a relationship, I immediately go into a place of gratitude. It works immediately, like a charm. This was recommended to me by my friend, Judith Onley, who recently stayed with us for a week. Her healing work is described on her website, Dance with Spirit.
Best of all, gratitude somehow creates a space, an opening for more good things to come into our lives. You’ve heard the expression, ‘like attracts like’. Well the wonderful energy of our gratitude continually draws more positivity to us. So find something small or large to be grateful for today!
