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In a world that is changing and shifting so dramatically,
how do we begin to express gratitude? Hurricane Katrina, the war in Iraq, the
devastating earthquake in Pakistan seem overwhelming. If we take into account
personal challenges...health care, rising cost of gasoline, job security...it
can be enough to stay under the comforter for a week.
How can we find something to be grateful for when we are
faced with the events and challenges of the world around us? A better question
may be, Why do we have to be grateful?
Did you know the brain does not know the difference
between what is imagined and what is real? When we focus on the challenges
facing us, we begin to worry. When we worry we begin to spin a tale of "What
ifs." The mind fantasizes about what might happen. The brain doesn't know that
we're just imagining it, so it triggers emotions. Emotions cause stress in the
body and result in fear. Fear causes us to look around and see more things that
are not working. And the cycle continues.
Universal Law states: Whatever we are grateful for
increases. We can stop the madness by shifting our focus. Take the attention off
the problem and put it on something we are grateful for.
Some years ago, I found myself in a frustrating job with
no where to go. I heard about an opening with a company that was exactly what I
was looking for. I eagerly applied for the new job and was asked back on three
interviews. I was sure it was mine. Instead I received the devastating call,
"Sorry, we gave the job to someone with more experience." I was stunned. I was
already mentally moving out of my cubicle... now I was stuck there. After a
period of feeling sorry for myself, I knew it was up to me to see things
differently. I started feeling grateful that I had
a job. It was a small place to start. Then I noticed how supportive my
supervisor was, the fact that she let me have flexible time for doctor
appointments. A new computer was delivered from a request I had made two months
earlier. My attitude changed and it felt like things around me changed. I was
giving a project to work on that I really wanted. Just about that time that I
was thinking I could actually like this job, my
supervisor approached me about an opening in another department that would be a
promotion. Long story short...I applied and the promotion was mine. I changed my
focus from grieving about what I didn't have, to giving thanks for what I did
have.
Plato said, "A grateful mind is a great mind which
eventually attracts to itself great things." That attitude of gratitude
actually attracts more good things in our lives. Here are three steps that may
be helpful in gratitude building when you are in the midst of strife.
First, take a deep breath and release the energy you are
holding. Breathing is essential for life and is so often taken for granted. The
breath is an important link between our body, our mind, and our spirit. Next,
step back and observe your situation. Find one thing you can appreciate,
regardless how insignificant it may seem. Lastly, call, write, or email at least
one person and tell them why you are grateful for them. The practice of
gratitude begins to lift us out of the emotion of the situation. As our emotions
change, so does our experience.
We are so blessed as women to be living in a country where
we have freedom and opportunity to express ourselves and follow our dreams. I
invite you to engage that freedom and make living a thankful life part of your
expression. Enjoy the results!
© Reverend Christine Green
Used with permission
Rev. Christine is a spiritual director guiding her clients on
through their spiritual path through classes and counseling.
She also serves on staff at the Avita Business Center and can be
reached at
www.sacredheartministries.org
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