Thursday, November 24, 2011

ABC's of gratitude

Today is thanksgiving in the U.S. and it reminds me of a simple exercise for inclining the mind toward gratitude.   I am grateful to Stephanie Tate, who first shared this practice with me.  I invite you to participate in this exercise in directing the mind toward what is positive in your life.  Notice your own initial resistance to the overall exercise and and to the objects, people, and other things which come to mind.

Each day, make a list of all of the things you are appreciate in your life that start with the letter of the day.  So start to today with your A's (such as apples, automobiles, awareness, Amy...  Then on the next day, create a list for things starting with the letter B (books, bees, Barbara...), then C on the next day ( chocolate, Chris, carpenters...)  and so on.

I hope you choose to try this experiment for yourself in bringing a touch of mindfulness to daily life. If you get stuck at any point, know that with some letters you may find more resistance, and allow whatever space might be necessary.  You can always come back to it.

Have fun!

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