“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls”
Aesop

‘Tis the season for an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude has been expressed through the ages within many spiritual and religious traditions. For example,

Christianity

Bible: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 

“…rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.”

Judaism

Torah  (Deut. 26:11, 27:7, 28:47):

“ …the key to experiencing real joy in life is

through gratitude and the cultivation of a good heart.”

Islam

Qu’ran (31:12)

“…anyone who is grateful does so to the profit of his own soul…”

Hinduism

Dhanya Vad meaning I am grateful  

A Sanskrit mantra used to calm the mind and repeat throughout the day.

Buddhism

Buddhist Monks begin each day with chants of gratitude

for the gifts of food, shelter, friendship and teachings that benefit all.

All these traditions and more cultivate expressions of gratitude and consider thankfulness an important moral virtue.  So in the spirit of this blessed month of thanksgiving, here’s yet another expression of thanks. It’s a meditation which could be shared together as a family or expressed alone in simple quiet contemplation.

A Gratitude Meditation 

Think of the things in life you are grateful for –

a morning cup of coffee, the bed you sleep in, the light on your doorstep.

Silently thank the sweet things in your life.

Think of nature you are grateful for.

The birds in the morning, the frogs at nite, the grass beneath your feet.

Silently express your thanks.

Now think of a person you are thankful for.

Imagine this person sitting in front of you.

Look into their eyes with a silent expression of thank you.

Think of someone who has died, think of them happy

 and silently express your thanks.

Think of a spiritual leader sitting across from you,

Look into their eyes and silently express your thanks.

Sit in quiet contemplation of all you are thankful for.

The many people

The many things

The many beings

The many parts of life

Thank you