The concept of gratitude emerged around a decade ago. Introduced by Stacey Robyn (Go Gratitude), Ester and Jerry Hicks, and discussed in the movie, The Secret, it was touted as a system of creating more good in life. Obviously, gratitude is important, but it’s like so many things–a practice to reap “good” or abundance doesn’t work. (Initially, I remember spending an hour looking around the room while notating items for the expression of gratitude.)
There’s an easier and better method of practicing gratitude. Once you find the missing piece, the practice becomes easy and rewarding. It does reap benefits, but you tend not to care.
Easy Steps For Feeling More Gratitude
1) Nothing truly works without spiritual connection. Connection is the point. Start with meditation, and see where your consciousness moves. Notice how life feels lighter, and everything responds to your deepened state of being. Noticing and observing invoke a state of gratitude.
2) While connected, notice the motion of your consciousness. When you are connected outdoors, you hear the wind more succinctly. You notice the movement of the trees. You hear the birds. You feel the blessing of life. When you are indoors, you may feel the quietness and calm of your meditation. Notice the direction of your senses and the more pleasing objects in the room. (These are blessings. Give thanks.)
3) When you feel strong, happy, or loved, expand the feeling. Imagine more of the feeling, which amplifies the vibration. Amplifying the vibration leads to expansion in life. Expansion and connection are interrelated.
4) When life is moving well, comment to yourself about the feeling of your life. Notice your practices and note your connection. Part of gratitude is simply noticing your blessings.
5) When your efforts make a positive difference, thank the universe. You experience the “good” as part of your connection with the Divine. The same is true with the higher aspects of the self.
6) When you are in a higher state, you naturally notice the good in life. The movement of the mind into the flow of goodness marks a higher state of consciousness. Pay attention. When your attention rests on the good in life, this is a state of gratitude. (Your inner dialog is a good indication of your state of mind.)
Using Gratitude with Problems
It’s the opposite of the practice listed above. The idea is not to notice good things; it’s about changing your focus when you think about problems. Everyone thinks about problems with negative thoughts and emotions—even positive people do this.
Problems are simply where we need more energy or a different type of energy. Energy can include a change in physical routine, a new belief, feeling, or changing the lens of your focus.
- Remember, you are a creator. You can change your reality by altering your vision and perception of life. You may not know how to do it, but you have the capacity. At least, you can create change. You can feel grateful about your capacity to alter your life, and take a minute or two to see or feel it differently.
- When you think life is not going well, notice what is okay or bearable. Put your attention on what’s working. Maybe, you don’t have time to do all of your work. But you can do some of it. Notice what you have completed and bless it—or give thanks. In this way, you amplify the good. (When you can’t figure out the next step, visualize it and give thanks for your inner ability.)
- When you argue with people, remember you have the ability to send light, calm your feelings, or come up with another solution. You can move back into your self-worth and remember what you like about yourself. (If you can, recall what you do like about the other person.) Love is a very special quality of the universe, which changes much of life. When you move back into a state of love, life alters. Thank the universe for the opportunity.
- If you’ve practiced spiritual work, you know how to center. Everything changes when you center your attention on the presence of your inner self. You will feel grateful without any effort when you achieve it.
- When you have a difficult day, think about the days that go well. (You’re actually giving gratitude for those times while pushing your energy in the direction of positivity.) Whenever you feel overwhelmed by a problem, notice what isn’t wrong. (If the cake falls, I can make another one or buy one—at least. Maybe, I have to take the animals to the vet, but it’s for a check-up, and nothing’s wrong.) You’re diverting your attention from the problem into the goodness of the moment. It works.
One of the greatest gifts of all is our ability to change our consciousness through connection. It’s a great blessing!
Julia Griffin, intuitive healer and owner of One True Self, began her work fifteen years ago under the tutelage of real wolves. Following their direction, Julia sees and reads energy, including animals, plants and people. She works with people in session to find their resonance with the soul, clearing patterns and alignment with their inner path.If you would like to seek additional spiritual change and insight into your life, please contact me for information about an intuitive session.
