Thanksgiving: An Attitude of Gratitude By Grant Leishman
Thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday in November, is a uniquely American tradition and one to be proud of. Regardless of whether you are an American and Thanksgiving Day is ingrained in your psyche, the idea of “giving thanks” or gratitude is a universal concept that we are all guilty of overlooking and forgetting from time to time. The Thirteenth Century German philosopher and mystic, Meister Eckhart left us with a little gem, that sums gratitude up perfectly.
Some practical steps to achieving an;
“attitude of gratitude”:
1| Say “thank you” at every single
opportunity that arises - and don’t just say it as a matter of course; because that’s what your parents taught you to do. Actually mean it - be grateful for whatever that person has done for you.
“If the only prayer you ever utter in your entire life is; ‘Thank You’, then that will suffice”.
2| Start saying “thank you” every time
There is ALWAYS something you can be grateful for. Every morning you can be grateful for a new day, a new opportunity to breathe, to walk, to talk and to exist. We take for granted so many of the wonderful experiences and things that we as human beings are blessed to enjoy and be grateful for every, single day - open your senses and enjoy the world around you and be grateful for the opportunity.
you sit down to eat or drink. Be grateful to all the people who have been involved in bringing your food to you.
3| Start your day with an attitude
of thankfulness. Send just a little time giving thanks to the Universe for the new day, for the blessings in your life.
4| Make a gratitude list. There is power in writing things down. Have a gratitude journal and at various times during the day jot down the things you are feeling grateful for (or, be a techno-whizz and have it on your phone, tablet, laptop or PC). Get that attitude of thankfulness.
5| This is a big one! Stop complaining! When you feel annoyed or frustrated at a circumstance or a person, don’t vocalize your feelings. What you are unconsciously doing is asking the Universe for more of these annoying and frustrating circumstances or people. If you feel annoyed or frustrated, focus -4-
