MZD - Ep 83 Cultivating Gratitude

"Acknowledging the good you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." ~ Eckhart Tolle   It's a great day to be alive, and it's a great time to slow down a bit and practice presence and awareness. With Thanksgiving only a couple weeks away, I think it's appropriate that we revisit the concept of Gratefulness and Appreciation; that we practice cultivating Gratitude.  When we slow down enough to get out of autopilot, and actually stop and look around – while there are probably lots of things we would like to change in the world and especially in our lives - there is way more to be grateful for than to complain about.  It's all where you put your focus. Having just celebrated Veteran's Day here in America, I think of these incredible war heroes who come back from serving their country with only half the body parts they left with, and their attitude and focus is on gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve.  They've decided to concentrate their energies on what they can do vs. what they can't.  Their focus and determination, and especially appreciation for all the wonderful, and truly important things in life are so inspiring.  These are my heroes.  The ones who give their all…and I mean ALL so that we can have a safer, more humane world. I never really thought of it before, but I find it very appropriate that we celebrate Veteran's Day just before we celebrate Thanksgiving. If you are vet, and happen to be listening to this today, I want to say, "Thank you"!  From the bottom of my heart I am grateful and inspired by your sacrifice and giving spirit.  You make this world a better place and we truly appreciate it. Gratitude isn't just a state of mind or of being, it is a Gift.  The spirit of Gratitude comes with its own blessings.  The more we appreciate, the more we are able to receive.  Gratitude opens our hearts for an abundant harvest of goodness in all areas of our lives.  The Universe naturally flows towards a grateful heart because that heart is open and receptive to receiving more. So, with that in mind, what are you grateful for today? Don't worry if nothing immediately comes to mind.  Gratitude, like any other discipline requires practice and focused energy.  When we ask a question, it sets the brain into motion to try and find the answer.  So ask yourself often and sincerely, "What am I grateful for?" For your health?  For a chance to draw another breath?  How about your senses; the gifts of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch?  What about a place to live?  The simple pleasures and comforts of life that we daily take for granted, things like shelter and warmth and running water, HOT running water, and food, pets, books, and education. Do others in your life know how much you love and appreciate them?  These are just a few thoughts to help get you started as you search your heart for what you are grateful for.  Like hitting oil or digging for treasure, the deeper you dig, the more you will find. It seems counter-intuitive, but as I mentioned Gratitude, like any other quality or state of being requires practice.  So let's practice.