The Art of Gratefulness
By Michael Angier
"If you learn to appreciate more of what you already have,
you'll find yourself having more to appreciate." -Michael Angier
The word appreciate has several meanings. One is to be thankful or show
gratitude. Another is to raise or increase in value, such as how a good
investment appreciates with time. I think that by appreciating and
practising gratefulness, the things we have and want in our lives also
increase.
In our hectic, fast-paced lives, it's easy to forget about the many
things for which we have to be grateful. We tend to be goal seeking,
achievement-oriented people.
And there's nothing wrong with that.
However, it's vitally important that we not lose sight of the things
that are near and dear, things we all too easily take for granted.
What we focus on expands. If we focus on the problems in our lives,
they tend to increase. If we focus on the good things we already have,
they too, have a tendency to grow.
I see it as another form of prayer. When we worry and fret over things,
we make them bigger than they really are, as well as attract more of the
same. That's negative prayer … prayer in reverse.
Focusing on what we HAVE and what we WANT "appreciates" these
things-they grow.
Just before going to sleep each night, my wife and I share at least
three things for which we're thankful. We call it doing our "Gratefuls".
It takes only a few moments, but it directs our thoughts on the good …
on the things we wish to increase in our life.
I suggest making the conscious consideration of your blessings a daily
rather than yearly occurrence. If you do, you'll find them taking on an
even greater presence.
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