Practising The Art Of Gratitude (Part Two)

Last week I talked about the significance of practising the art of gratitude and how useful it can be to create a gratitude list, especially if you’re feeling discombobulated or overwhelmed.

Recently when I was feeling full of dread and anxiety, I was reminded by a dear friend, of the value in having gratitude for what I do have in my life, rather than wishing it to be different. She also talked about a Buddhist course she was doing that focused on the importance of separating our problems from our happiness.

So, this week I want to extol the virtues of practising the art of gratitude and patient acceptance. Allowing the present moment to be exactly as it is, without judging or resenting it.

I have to remind myself that I always have a choice, no matter what the circumstances.

If, like me, you have sometimes struggled with making a gratitude list, another tool that I recommend is to try keeping a ‘Daily Wonder Book.’ Each night, before you go to bed, write down at least three things that have happened in the day that have given you pleasure. Things that you can wonder at or be amazed by or simply appreciative of - even grateful that they occurred. No matter how small.

When I do this, I find that I have let in chinks of light. Some blue-sky moments that have shifted the way I feel. Becoming more at peace with where I am in my life.

Another useful tool is suggested by Melody Beattie in ‘Language of Letting Go.’

This is a tool with a twist, offering a unique perspective for turning things around.

Make a list of all the things in your life that you’re not grateful for and that are currently bothering you. Then deliberately practise gratitude for everything that is on your list. Don’t worry if you find this hard - just do it to the best of your ability. It does become easier the more you practise this.

It’s a way of learning to say thanks for everything in our lives. The more you do this you will feel lighter and more able to see things from a unique perspective. Something in your energy will shift.

Practising the art of gratitude in these ways, helps me to be grateful for so many things in my life - too many to mention all of them.

I am grateful for the reassuring cyclical rhythms of nature - after the darkness comes the light. The frogs come to mate in the pond at the same time each year - mid Feb.- no matter how I’m feeling.

I am grateful for the ordinary, small pleasures I encounter each day. Starting with my first cup of coffee in the morning.

I am grateful for the life I get to live today, mainly because of my recovery and the fact that I am 33 years sober and counting one day at a time. I am a modern miracle and have been given another chance at life

I am grateful for the love and friends and family that I have around me. There is absolutely no point in envying others, whose lives may appear less troubled or wanting what they have.

I am grateful I have what I need whilst learning to say thank-you for all that is in my life today, including the situations I find difficult to face.

Practising the art of gratitude has the ability to transform self-pity and discontent if we let the feeling into our hearts.

“Touch the experience of being human in all of its sorrow and joy. Be grateful for the story you’re living now.”

Melody Beattie