Gratitude
28 October 2021
Definition: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”
ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/, noun
In a sentence: “we expressed gratitude for the unexpected blessing”
Synonyms: thankfulness, appreciation, thanks, credit, regard, respect, acknowledge
Significance: Gratitude is more than a “feeling.” Gratitude is a way of living. Gratitude is waking up every day thankful for the little things we take for granted like two eyes to see and two legs to put on the floor as we jump out of bed. Gratitude is walking outside and being in awe of nature. Gratitude is sitting down to eat and appreciating that we have the means to nourish our bodies. A genuine sense of gratitude isn’t about the “things” we possess it’s a concept of awareness and appreciation for our profound place in the world. Gratitude is a profound sense of wonder about our time and place in life, and how we fit into the big picture. Gratitude is the glue of life that allows us to immerse ourselves in the moment. Without appreciation for each moment, we flounder from one life event to another. Gratitude allows us to mindfully embrace each moment and feel a sense of grounding, as opposed to bouncing around, like a bumper car, waiting for our next stop in life. Gratitude is a profound state of being aware in each moment, we can work in unison with the universe. When gratitude is at the forefront of life, we find ourselves in a beneficial, mutual relationship of give and take with the universe. Gratitude allows us to focus on the moment which leads to fulfillment of our mission at hand. This cyclical process cultivates even more gratitude: Fulfillment is the side effect of gratitude. And gratitude is the side effect of fulfillment of the mission at hand. This typically leads to a state of flow. In flow we accomplish endless work on autopilot. Next to love, gratitude is one of the purest forms of energy. In fact, it’s almost a divine energy. Some people are continually optimistic and grateful: “The attitude of gratitude.” Perhaps it’s a type of mental wiring some are innately blessed.
