Love and Happiness: Gratitude - A Simple Yet Powerful Tool

By TUNISHA MEHROTRA

The fourteenth century Native American Iroquois Constitution opens with a prayer of gratitude. It offers thanks "to the earth where men dwell; to streams of water, springs and lakes; to the maize and fruits and medicinal herbs; to the sun and moon, wind and thunder... and to the great creator, the source of life".

Gratitude is one of the first principles of spiritual well-being. Blessings abound in the life of each of us, and a keener appreciation of the same unlocks the secrets of the universe. In opening our hearts wide to render thanks we automatically create the space in our consciousness for greater grace to flow in. A thankful heart is an open heart and is thus, open to receiving. Meister Eckhart, the German mystic observed, "If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice."

The attitude of gratitude is a core principle of reiki. It is a simple and powerful tool to help a seeker move from the consciousness of lack to the consciousness of abundance. When we express gratitude a sense of peace and fulfilment floods our being. New research shows that people who maintain a gratitude journal sleep better, have more good moods and a stronger sense of connection to others.

Our thoughts are the blueprint of reality. According to Friar Elbertus: "To think rightly is to create. All things come through desire, and every sincere prayer is answered. We become like that on which our hearts are fixed." In adopting the attitude of gratitude we focus on the plenty that already exists in our lives. This creates a powerful positive vibration, which, in turn, attracts spiritual and material abundance.

"Rejoice evermore", the scriptures tell us, "Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks." (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18) In acknowledging our heavenly father's loving-kindness, we deepen our attunement with Him. According to Sri Sri Daya Mata of the Yogoda Satsanga Society, there are three stages to the development of an attitude of unceasing thankfulness. The first is to turn immediately to God in gratitude when-ever we have cause to rejoice. Each time the heart is gladdened, let it rise in a paean of thanks to the true giver of all our joys.

Secondly, we are caution-ed not to take for granted the good that already exists. We need to cultivate a healthy appreciation for all those quiet joys that enrich and enliven our lives. Melodie Beattie writes: "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more... it can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend."

Lastly, we are required to give thanks even when in the midst of difficult times. The universe does not make mistakes. Everything is to a plan; every pain, every heartache, every obstacle has been carefully orchestrated by a higher wisdom and serves our larger good. What we resist, persists. In giving thanks, even for our pain, we dissolve our resistance to the situation, and thereby hasten our evolutionary process. Furthermore, in offering gratitude, we focus our thoughts on what is positive in the situation. Immediately our spirits lift and faith surges within. This releases healing power and even the worst situation becomes bearable.

When the heart overflows with gratitude the soul feels nourished, restored and truly conscious of God's presence. Sarah Ban Brannock, author of Simple Abundance considers gratitude a life-transforming principle. "Begin this day", she writes, "to explore and integrate this beautiful principle into your life, and the miracle you have been seeking, will unfold to your wonder and amazement.

.

.

See also: Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Death and Dying, Body Mind and Soul)