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Written by Joan Eison
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Where is the state of gratitude? Is it west of South
Carolina? Is it North of Missouri? Could I do search on Google
and find it? Geography and web searches aside, gratitude is
not a place on a map, rather, it is located within the self and is
observable by our attitudes. A decade ago the use of the word
"attitude" took on a new flavor when pre-teens and teens began using it
to describe the cool/un-cool attributes of their peers. And more
often than not when someone was described as having "attitude" it was
meant in an unflattering way, such as, "Don’t give me attitude!"
As you are reading this description, you may even be picturing a
shuffling swagger, a hat turned slightly side-ways, baggie pants, and
untied shoe laces. What impression would you have of this
person’s attitude? "I’m cool. I’m in. Don’t mess with
me." Attitude has no age limits. Picture a fortyish
business woman in a tailored suit, dark woven fabric, dark shoes, dark
briefcase, extra dark sunglasses, silky white blouse, manicured nails,
fingers holding a key ring with a push-button charm attached to
it. The woman briskly opens the door of a trendy restaurant and
without uttering a word immediately gets the attention of the
hostess.
"Good afternoon," the waitress hums. "How many are in your party? Would you prefer window seating?"
"There will be four," the well-heeled lady says. "Seat us away from the crowd; we will need privacy."
This person’s attitude message is one of position and power.
Their unspoken message might translate as "Follow my directions."
As limited as these descriptions are, we can’t discern if their core
feelings match the attitudes broadcast by demeanor and dialogue.
So, let’s go back to the initial question. Where is the state of
gratitude? Deep inner gratitude is as easy to recognize as
fashion differences in the individuals previously described.
Someone who radiates inner gratitude expresses equal joy at rain drops
and four karat diamonds. They express continuous amazement at the
everyday splendor of fall foliage, harvest moons and the wonder of the
world around us. Tap into the energy of the state of gratitude.
Take a deep breathe. Draw it from your toes to your head and set
your timer for a mere five minutes. Mentally compose a list of
all things that are working marvelously through and around you.
The sun appears in the morning sky. Mother earth holds us as she
spins in space. Beautiful phases of the moon cycle from crescent
to full circle. Flowers grow in soil just right for them while cacti
flourish in sand and rock. Animal friends love us
unconditionally. We meet fascinating people who bring art, music,
dance, poetry, laughter and learning to us. Birth families and
friend-families embrace each other and share time and meals and joys.
If you started your gratitude list, don’t stop just because five
minutes ended. Preserve it and every time you brush against the
serrated edges of life, soothe the abrasions with your gratitude
list. Gratitude is something we personally choose to
embrace. Practicing "happy" more often than "unhappy" is about
perception--like the proverbial half empty or half full glass.
Every morning we wake up and every night we lie down, we have the power
to choose gratitude by the thoughts that we allow. There is
deliberate consciousness in choosing to see through the lens of
gratitude. And every time we deliberately choose gratitude, we
are reaching for higher consciousness and higher self.
Certainly, it would be daunting to put on a happy face one hundred
percent of the time. Some days are painful. Some paths are
rocky. But, even in the most challenging days, there are a few
moments that we can maneuver into the warm embrace of gratitude.
If you have created a gratitude list and positioned it in the forefront
of your mind, it is an easy half turn to start at the bottom and add
more. In one quick scan of your gratitude list, you will see an
amazing transformation of spirit.
Ice cold water on a hot summer day
The scent of lavender soap
Birds singing
Dogs licking
Indoor plumbing
A roof that doesn’t leak
Enough gas to drive to work and back
The coffee cream hasn’t expired
Having clean underwear in the morning
The newspaper came
My neighbor came back from vacation
I’m having dinner with a friend
I am aware and conscious and grateful!
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