Gratitude as a Meditative Practice

16th September, 2009 - Posted by Psychic Source

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When we often think of mediation, images of a person sitting perfectly still while masterfully controlling their every thought come to mind. This traditional mindfulness mediation is a powerful practice, but there are so many activities for our mind, bodies and spirit that are equally transformative. The regular practice of Gratitude is a great alternative for a meditative practice.

“But, isn’t gratitude an emotion or an expression of thanks?”

Well, gratitude certainly can be. But I’m referring to Gratitude as a pervasive, persistent reflective state of mind that involves the individual’s awareness and appreciation for the world around and within themselves.
Our minds can become so addicted to the stressors, the painful spots, what is lacking in our lives. We can retrain our minds through the practice of Gratitude and begin to more selectively choose our thoughts. You can choose to notice the soft breeze coming in from the window and note how good it feels. You can choose to notice the aspects of your personal and professional relationships that are fulfilling and how nurtured you feel at times. You can choose to notice what parts of your body you find beautiful and how appreciative you are for what health you have. You can choose to recognize new challenges as opportunities to learn and grow and notice your growing sense of optimism as you practice Gratitude as a meditative and spiritual practice.

All these experiences you can choose to notice and can choose to appreciate and express Gratitude for. There is more to Gratitude as a life practice than the fleeting thought, “Oh, well that’s nice.” Deep Gratitude seems to come from somewhere in the core of one’s body. I feel it right now, beneath my lower ribcage as I write this. A warmth, a swelling. You can continue to nurture this growing love and peace within you by choosing to recognize the gifts in the smallest moments of each day.

Gratitude as a regular, recurrent way of life requires practice and patience, much like many meditative practices. Much like learning to calm our “monkey mind,” Gratitude is practicing the art of opening yourself to the gifts and beauty in the world around you. The bounty of this practice is having a deeper connection to the world and a greater sense of fulfillment. You will have a deeper appreciation, humility and pleasure from life’s moments because you are finally tasting them, for what will seem like the first time.