by Nanette Littlestone
Because we celebrate Thanksgiving in November, this is typically the month associated with gratitude. Being grateful and giving thanks. You’ve probably experienced the bounty of Thanksgiving: the table set with china and crystal, a beautifully roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, the pumpkin pie and whipped cream, and of course friends and family gathered together to enjoy the feast. At times like these it’s easy to be grateful and thankful.
But are you thankful in times of stress or turbulence or sorrow? During those circumstances how likely are you to be grateful? And why would you be grateful after tragedy or loss?
German theologian, philosopher, and mystic Meister Eckhart said, “If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is ‘thank you,’ it will be enough.” The first time I heard the quote, I scoffed. How could just saying “thank you” be enough? Surely to have a life full of peace, tranquility, and miracles, much more was needed. But experience has proved me wrong.
My healing journey over the last few months has taken me on a carnival roller coaster guaranteed to challenge the brave and the sturdy. I’ve always thought of myself as strong and determined, but there have been many times I walked in fear and wondered if I would ever come out on the other side. I’ve learned how easy it is to wallow in pain and frustration, and how you really do attract what you focus on. So if I wallow in pain and frustration, I simply attract more of it. And that definitely does not promote healing.
On the flip side, if I can find a moment of escape, a few simple breaths, the feeling of the sun on my face, the grass beneath my feet, a breeze ruffling my hair. If I can acknowledge that moment and say “thank you,” that positive vibration spreads out through the universe and attracts more like that. And that simple thank you implements the beginning of profound change within you that will ultimately be reflected around you.
So this month find those moments to be grateful for what you have, what you are, what you’re doing. Say thank you. And celebrate, with joy, all the bounty in your life.
Because we celebrate Thanksgiving in November, this is typically the month associated with gratitude. Being grateful and giving thanks. You’ve probably experienced the bounty of Thanksgiving: the table set with china and crystal, a beautifully roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, the pumpkin pie and whipped cream, and of course friends and family gathered together to enjoy the feast. At times like these it’s easy to be grateful and thankful.
But are you thankful in times of stress or turbulence or sorrow? During those circumstances how likely are you to be grateful? And why would you be grateful after tragedy or loss?
German theologian, philosopher, and mystic Meister Eckhart said, “If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is ‘thank you,’ it will be enough.” The first time I heard the quote, I scoffed. How could just saying “thank you” be enough? Surely to have a life full of peace, tranquility, and miracles, much more was needed. But experience has proved me wrong.
My healing journey over the last few months has taken me on a carnival roller coaster guaranteed to challenge the brave and the sturdy. I’ve always thought of myself as strong and determined, but there have been many times I walked in fear and wondered if I would ever come out on the other side. I’ve learned how easy it is to wallow in pain and frustration, and how you really do attract what you focus on. So if I wallow in pain and frustration, I simply attract more of it. And that definitely does not promote healing.
On the flip side, if I can find a moment of escape, a few simple breaths, the feeling of the sun on my face, the grass beneath my feet, a breeze ruffling my hair. If I can acknowledge that moment and say “thank you,” that positive vibration spreads out through the universe and attracts more like that. And that simple thank you implements the beginning of profound change within you that will ultimately be reflected around you.
So this month find those moments to be grateful for what you have, what you are, what you’re doing. Say thank you. And celebrate, with joy, all the bounty in your life.
Nanette Littlestone, author, editor, writing coach, and publisher, is a frequent blogger and visionary leader behind F.A.I.T.H. – Finding Answers in the Heart, Volumes I and II. To find out more about these books, click here.
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