The Power of Gratitude

The one most powerful feeling and action that has the power to instantly change our state from unhappy or low to peace and happiness is Gratitude.

Gratitude is not just expressing thank you in words. 

In truth, Gratitude is a hearful acknowldgement of the countless blessings that have been bestowed upon us every second, 

Or the heartful recognition and appreciation towards others for their action of kindness towards us.

When we feel gratitude in our heart, sometimes, we cannot express it in words, and it can only be expressed through tears of joy in our eyes. Tears because we feel so loved by that power that has brought us to this world and that is taking care of us in inexplicable ways. 

Most of us have countless blessings, each day that we wake up healthy, with all our body parts intact, eyes that can see, limbs that work perfectly, ears that can hear, mouth that can talk and enjoy the tastes of this world, a sharp mind that has helped us to have a great career in one of the best companies in the world. Each day we see our loved ones, our kids, partners, pets, family and friends are all healthy and taken care of, wherever they are in the world. In this cold winter, we have a warm home with all possible conveninecs of clean water, a kitchen full of food, clothes to keep us warm. We have jobs, that give us enough money to take care of all our material needs, and while many do not have jobs or struggle with daily needs, we are blessed to be working. We live in a country that is safe, and we have clean air to breathe, a support system around us for difficult times. This list is endless.

In our daily lives, we tend to follow a routine and be robotic (there are exceptions), that make us take a lot for granted and hide the countless blessings bestowed on us.

Recently I had a small slip from the stairs and injured my ankle. After 3-4 weeks of bed rest, when I felt both my feet walking normal, I was dancing and celebrating movement like never before. It is easy to take everything and everyone for granted. Practicing Gratitude enables us to realize the countless blessings that go unnoticed in daily lifes. But practicing gratitude needs effort and discipline to remind ourselves how blessed we are.

I practice gratitude just before sleeping, and immediately after waking up. I play some calming music before sleeping, and with eyes closed and hands folded, I count my blessings and let my heart be overwhelmed with gratitude. I sleep with this feeling and after waking up, it is easy to feel grateful. I also have stickys of on my bathroom mirrors, workspace, bedside etc, to remind myself to feel  grateful.

Try it for yourself and see how relaxation comes easy. The more we feel gratitude in our hearts, the more we feel like we are so well taken care of. And the more we attract great things in life and more and more abundance.

- Tanu Shree