Gratitude is a state of mind.
Gratitude is not a natural state. Consider two toddlers in the same room with a fistful of goodies. Often, they will want what the other one has too! This description derives from a selfish desire for survival; it is hard-wired into us. Once we recognize the selfishness, then we can move in the direction of gratitude. It is one that we can aspire to because it changes the energy in our lives.
Today, and everyday, I celebrate the energy of gratitude. It is a state of mind that I cherish learned along my path to inner peace. I want to take a different tack to obtain gratitude, because once we claim the effort, it becomes part of us.
Here’s my point—
Predictably, we are entering the celebratory end of the year. There is so much hype, and it’s difficult to escape it—Santa in his new red Mercedes, for example! Why not spread the “hype” year round?
The good news is that gratitude is a year-round attitude. Since gratitude is a state of mind, I don’t just air it out at the year-end holiday times. I invoke it toward shifting my clients’ and personal views.
First, please allow me the assumption that energy vibrates throughout the universe, like microwaves and colors. Given that premise, gratitude is also a vibration. It is powerful, and can be magnetic. Like all things molecular, there are positive and negative charges to things. Although visually unseen, we can view the manifestation of gratitude. We know it when we see it! We recognize it in others, very different that the two toddlers previously mentioned.
In coaching, we often use perspectives as tools. When clients come to a session, they are in a perspective. Often, they need to shift to a different perspective to fully realize what they want or what action to take. It is magical because it works. Sometimes, changing a perspective is as simple as walking around your chair or sitting in a different position, or doing something out of your routine. Whatever the mechanics, gratitude works similarly.
Often, viewed in terms of blessings, gratitude is an awareness of one’s state of being, related to emotional intelligence (hyperlink). It can reflect what resources, conditions, feelings, and people are involved in our spheres. It marks our place in our universe. It can manifest in sharing and wanting to give from a spiritual or soul place of abundance (it’s difficult to give to another from scarcity.)
So, how can we actively invoke gratitude?
Many attribute gratitude to luck rather than reviewing the path of preparation and diligence of being prepared to receive and achieve. The power is in the actions we do toward our goals. That’s why I believe so much is said about the journey, not the destination! I’m grateful when I have the energy to see my actions through. It propels me further forward.
See how this “check in” works for you: Do you deserve things or do you earn them? How you answer can steer you toward feeling more gratitude.
When we don’t take things for granted or feel we are entitled, we have heightened awareness that the gratitude force is in our lives. It opens us to share, and makes room to receive more.
Learning how to experience more gratitude behooves us to pay attention. I find the little things can be filled with gratitude, stopping long enough to take it all in, and celebrating them. “Little things” are more abundant so they can raise our awareness more frequently. For example, going to the dog park with my beloved American Eskimo, Yukon,
is joyful for me. It is an actual feeling and brings me calm and serenity. I store it up for a time when I need it to remind myself of my blessings.
Gratitude is humbling, especially when we realize how precious life is. For me, I want to honor life and “show up” for my family, friends, clients, and strangers as my best self. That can be hard when a surly waitress comes to the table, for example. In such a case, I make an extra effort to understand she may have had a disastrous phone call or was up all night with a sick relative. Then, I shower her with kindness and call her by name. Amazing how this turns the energy of the situation around.
Gratitude is non-competitive
It thrives in abundance and never runs out. Exchanging one’s competitive drive to one of understanding and service works wonders! I only compete with myself to improve what I can be.
Often, gratitude is a compass.
When we are self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and understand the impact we have on others, gratitude can guide us to higher ground to be our higher selves. It opens doors and improves our likability factor! Not to be dismissed, our likability factor can be the difference between being hired, a photo finish in a race, or promotion in one’s career.
There is one requirement gratitude asks of us—
We must stop swirling in our lives long enough to observe and to listen to the vibrations around us. Once we are still, the gratitude in our lives can manifest, and we can enjoy what it brings.
Here is my gratitude mantra, my three gifts of gratitude: (♬ ♪♫♬ Sung to the tune of my favorite things!)
· I am grateful for the blessing of a sharp mind and the ability to learn and share ideas with others.
· I am grateful I can contribute to the world and my circle of influence.
· I am grateful for the ability to engage in different perspectives when addressing issues and challenges while I seek solutions.
Joy to you all. —MC
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