Celebration.....Gratitude. Hmmm. What's the difference, I wonder?
I wanted to write about gratitude this week because it's Thanksgiving, and then I remembered this blog is about celebrations and I realized I would be talking about the same things either way. When you are in gratitude and when you are celebrating something you are in a state of being that is abundant, focused on what's working, what's going right, what the "great-ness" is in your life at the moment. Which is an awesome place to be, especially if you want more of the same to come into your life.
You know what I'm really celebrating and grateful for today?
As I was beginning this paragraph a flood of small celebrate-ables came into my mind and I thought, "I can't just keep listing one thing after the other - like the fact that I'm sitting at my computer with my new DSL hookup, looking out at the snow and the birds busily feeding. Or the fact that because of technology I didn't have to miss the meeting this morning that I wasn't willing to brave the weather to drive into Burlington for. Or the mink, coat still chocolate brown against the snow, who trotted across my line of vision while I was on teleconference. Or the fact that I get to see my sister tomorrow. How boring will that be for my readers?"
And then I realized that, for the most part, I have reached a place where my focus moves naturally to what's working and what's to celebrate. No matter how small, I gravitate toward "great"-fulness". I don't have to work at staying positive or being in a state of appreciation. With practice, it has become my default. I am really grateful for that. And for the reminder that, with practice, everything gets easier. (Even my African dance class, although barely!)
Today, I also celebrate all the things that are great in your lives and wish you an ever-expanding state of "great-fulness" .
Paul says in all things give thanks (not for all things). He is stressing the importance of a grateful heart, not simply an expression of gratitude for things but a heart that is greatful (full of greatness). The greatful person is great because he has turned on all the lights in himself. The greatful heart actually opens the way to the flow and becomes an attractive force to draw to itself great things.
Take a moment right now to engage in the experience of gratitude. Close your eyes and feel grateful. Don't turn outward casting about for things to give thanks for. Remember, it is not an emotional reaction to the blessings you can count, it is an energy you stir up in you which is causal. Let the spirit of thanksgiving flood your whole being with healing warmth.
In joy,
Lisa
Comments