The Gift of Gratitude

"Maintain a state of gratitude and awe.
Gratitude is the surest way to stop the
incessant inner dialogue that leads you
away from the joy and perfection of the Source."
~ Dr. Wayne Dyer,  The Power of Intention,
Perpetual Calendar, December 12th

As I reflect on the past twelve months of 2011, gratitude wells up within me. Despite the many crisis and tragedies I see and hear about in the media, my little part of the universe is safe, peaceful and flourishing. However, even here events happen that compel me to sit back and ponder the life I live and how busy I can be, to the detriment of my health. Just recently I learned that several of my friends have serious health problems. I realize that I am very grateful for good health.

As I take the time to upon my good fortune, I feel compelled to draw up a gift list. I realize that I often take for granted that I am living in a peaceful place, with plenty of food, accommodations and all that is necessary to live a quality life. High on this list: a loving family and faithful friends. 

Because the basics of life are provided, actually more than that, I am free to ponder how I can enrich my life and the lives of those I trust. In reading the reflection for December 12th, by Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance,  I am deeply touched by her version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

She begins:
“On the first day of Christmas, I gave my true loves:
  The gift of my Undivided Attention
  On the second…the gift of Enthusiasm”

I'd highly recommend that you find a copy of this book to read about the other ten days. On her website you will learn of her workshops on the Six Graces- the first is gratitude and how she weaves that quality through the other five. Her song, ‘All We Have is All We Need” can be heard there as well.

One of my goals for the New Year is to choose a quality for each month. Gratitude will be for January. February is known for its focus on Love. During that month, I can continue my gratitude as I focus on my loves for this beautiful Earth, Nature and all the wonderful people and things in my life.

Other qualities I can focus on throughout the year are happiness, laughter, peace, hope and compassion. As Sarah uses in her Six Graces, I can also include order, simplicity, harmony, beauty and joy. Throughout them all, I will weave gratitude.

One of the reasons I wrote Quest for Happiness was to help those who needed support to find happiness, peace and joy in their lives. So let us explore together who we are and how we can create a wonderful world for ourselves and our loved ones.

How about you? What will you give your attention to during 2012?

Happy New Year!

Blessings and peace,

Bride