Spiritual Solutions

 (Note: This is the seventh lesson adapted from the series “Steady in the Wind,” by Ann Strong, of www.thrivingcoaches.com. Ann kindly gave me permission to adapt and use parts of the lessons in my blog and newsletter. I believe you will find much value in applying the twelve life principles covered in this course. Enjoy!)

WELCOME TO:
Lesson Seven: Gratitude

Please listen to the audio first by clicking on the link below, and then let’s read the lesson together.

Lesson Seven: Gratitude

Given that what we focus on expands, living from a grateful heart makes good sense. We cannot feel grateful and upset at the same time. As we view the world through the lens of gratitude, everything changes. Gratitude cures anger, neediness, high blood pressure, resentment, bitterness, upset stomach, apathy, disappointment, worry, pessimism and general sourpuss-ness.

I strongly urge you to choose gratitude as a way of life. Even in the challenging times. Sure, it’s easy enough to appreciate new kittens, a fast car, warm sunshine, a pile of cash or a delicious meal. How do you appreciate two of the kittens dying, a speeding ticket or two weeks of gloomy, gray days?

Let’s look at that. Take the kittens for example. Even though two of them die, I can feel grateful for the time I had with them or for the one that lived or for more intimately knowing the life/death cycle. Or, I can fixate on the unfairness of life because the two kittens died. I can become cynical and close my heart. I truly do have a choice. Choosing a life of gratitude, regardless of the circumstances, creates a far richer, happier life.

While we can’t always control what happens - like kittens dying - we can always control our response. What would your life be like if you chose to live from gratitude? If you chose to find the good in all situations? If you appreciated challenges for the opportunities they hold?

In the scriptures we read, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances.”
(Thess. 5:16), and a French proverb says, “Gratitude is the heart’s memory.”

Charles Fillmore, co-founder of the Unity movement, says, “It has been found by experience that a person increases his blessings by being grateful for what he has. Gratitude even on the mental plane is a great magnet, and when gratitude is expressed from the spiritual standpoit it is powerfully augmented.”

A grateful heart is an open heart - open to all the magic, wonder and glory life has to offer.

Living Steady in the Wind with gratitude, we find reasons to appreciate the wind. Have you become stronger because of the wind? Has the wind cleared some space in your life? Is the wind facilitating transition? Gratitude helps us receive the gifts of the wind.

Also, a grateful person is an attractive person. Think about it. Who do you gravitate toward? The person who’s often complaining or the one who has a fun, interesting or heart-warming story to tell? So, the more gratitude you share, the more attractive you are. The more attractive you are, the more people you connect with and the more opportunities come your way.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE THIS WEEK

Do you keep a gratitude journal? If so, congratulations! Keep writing in it daily. If not, start one this week. You may want to get a special journal for this or, if you prefer, simply keep it as part of your notebook for this course of “Steady in the Wind.” Every day, simply jot down five or ten things for which you feel gratitude.

When you find yourself in a challenging situation, look for something about which you can be grateful. Focus on that.

Record in your evidence journal what happens by focusing on gratitude even in tough situations.

CONTINUE PRACTICING OPENNESS

Continue practicing openness this week. In what situations can you brainstorm several possible new ways to proceed? If you get stuck, ask a friend or colleague to help you brainstorm options. Record your findings and opportunities in your evidence journal.

CONTINUE PRACTICING AWARENESS

Continue practicing awareness this week. Several times this week, check in with yourself. How do you feel, physically and emotionally? What will make you feel even better? Look for opportunities. Talk about what feel smost exciting to you. Ask for what you want. Find out what others need. Give it to them. Record your findings in your evidence journal.

CONTINUE PRACTICING COMMITMENT

Contine practicing commitment this week. Have you written your commitment? Are you recording evidence in your journal that supports your commitment?

CONTINUE PRACTICING COMMANDING

Continue practicing commanding or claiming this week and beyond. What have you chosen to command or claim? Are you recording evidence in your journal? What is showing up for you?

CONTINUE PRACTICING VISIONING

Continue practicing visioning this week. Whenever you feel stuck, do you write out a vision? Are you tracking evidence for all your visions?

CONTINUE PRACTICING DEEP LISTENING

Are you integrating both deep listening within and deep listening to others into your natural, regular routine?

CONTINUE PRACTICING YOUR OBSERVER ROLE

Is observation becoming a natural part of your life and work?

Next week, you will receive Lesson Eight: Non-Attachment
Until then, have fun with gratitude, openness, awareness, commitment, commanding, visioning, listening deeply, and observing.

God is Blessing You, Right Now!  

Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham

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Rev. Alan Rowbotham, a Unity minister for over thirty-six years, invites you to enjoy more articles and/or suscribe to his free inspirational newsletter, “Spiritual Solutions,” at http://spiritualsolutionsblog.com

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