What a weekend this was!
I can’t complain as I enjoyed the celebrations and had a superb time with loved ones. It gave me ample time to reflect on the fleeting moments that bring so much joy to our lives but we tend to ignore in the rush of daily life.
The fog was dense the day of Thanksgiving. I thought it looked gorgeous and peaceful. It invited to read and relax by the fire, lulled by the quietness of the street and the occasional blare of foghorns coming from Puget Sound. Some would disagree. They had to drive and the fog proved more of a nuisance rather than an accentuation. Yes, it’s all a matter of perspective.
But overall, everyone seemed calmer. I knew it was the calm before the collective-stupidity fabricated by greed and fear known as Black Friday. I knew that on Friday—perhaps even as early as Thursday night—the feelings of joy and gratitude would have their places usurped by the artificial necessity of acquiring that which we don’t need out of the fear we won’t be able to do so in the near future at such meager prices. It’s a powerful lure. But the morning and afternoon of Thursday kept that unspoiled peaceful feeling, accentuated by the warmth of the home and company, and the vivacious smells regaling our senses from the kitchen.
They say it’s a day of gratitude. I say, “not bad, not bad, but why only one day?”
And yes, people preach that we should be grateful everyday but seldom do they practice what they preach. They may stay at it for a couple of weeks but the conditioning of society takes over, and soon people focus again on what they’re supposedly lacking rather than the privileges they already enjoy. Even fewer get to discover how being persistent at practicing gratitude all the time unravels an amazing world of abundance and peace, a world that immunizes our senses against the loud voice screaming that if we don’t get that deal today, we won’t find it ever again for the rest of our lives. How preposterous, but that’s a different topic.
Yes, friends. I invite to practice your gratitude every day, first thing in the morning. Elevate your quiet gratitude to whatever powerful voice of the universe you confide your deepest thoughts and feelings.
You don’t need to do it in public. Over the past few days I saw a proliferation of posts from people declaring their gratitude for a certain number of days. I think one or two days of public declarations are sufficient and enough to fuel the good feelings. More than that is more seeking approval and public recognition and destroys the humble spirit of gratitude. You can fool your ego with the adulations from those who tell you how much they admire your ability to recognize what you have, but can’t fool your conscience, or spirit if that’s what you choose to call it.
You want to be grateful? Practice in silence. It’s a completely different feeling, a more fulfilling and deeper one. It makes those feelings an actual catalyst for change. If you have a great life partner, elevate your gratitude in silence, and then transfer your gratitude to actions. It’s a game changer and although it’s not a guarantee of a relationship free of trouble, it can open your eyes to recognize when you make mistakes and work together.
Gratitude needs no bells or whistles, not when it’s done with the purpose of changing the mindset and getting acquainted with our deeper feelings. Practice your gratitude in silence and enjoy a life of elation.
Catch up with you soon.
H.G.
