Life on Track

Gratitude: What Do You Appreciate?

Much of our sense of purpose comes from our connections with family, friends, and colleagues.
When we let them know what we appreciate about them, it strengthens our relationships, broadens
our perspective, and helps us to see ourselves as part of a larger community.  Others feel
accepted by our noticing and want to give more. There is a joy in connecting around a common purpose.

One way to better appreciate others is to notice the qualities we need from others in order to be happy.  These are likely to be qualities as honesty, respect, loyality, and good cheer. Then we can start watching for these qualities and let people know how we appreciate them.

By contrast, the media often encourages us to view others by a projected ideal, such as beauty, money, or a swanky car.  This may not even be at the core of what really makes us happy.  When we view others with from the glasses of a projected ideal, we often may see what they lack. When we do so, they sense it.  Far better, is to relate to others in ways that acknowledge their character. That way we are coming from strengths rather than from lack. Others enjoy giving from their strengths, and it builds our relationships.

For example, I benefit from more than one kind of health service provider. Sometimes I might benefit
from a nutritionist, Other times a massage therapist, or a chiropractor, or a medical physician.   This is quite different from expecting one person to meet all my needs, and then complaining about what doesn't work. Instead, I take responsibility for designing a health team, recognize the unique contribution of each, and express my appreciation.  In this way, gratitude and appreciation builds  teamwork to promote health and well being in a way that is beneficial to all.

Warm Regards,

Dr. Alice

Gratitude, Passion, and Purpose

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past,  brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~ Melody Beattie ~

 

Gratitude comes from the Latin word, "gratia," meaning Grace.  It is an attitude of appreciation and thankfulness for what we have received.  It transcends the judgements of good and bad that separate us, and acknowledges that we are all in this together. It is anchored in spirituality,  and a higher universal energy flow. When we are grateful we show appreciation for the people in our lives and we are willing to take action to show the gratitude we feel. Gratitude reflects a mindset that is aligned with a higher universal energy, which is the source of flow.  When we are grateful, we become vechicles of a this flow, and passion and purpose.  It celebrates our higher connection to each other and to source.

 

One way to cultivate gratitude is to keep a Gratitude Journal.  Take note of the specific people and events for which you are thankful and what they have provided for you.  Then take a moment to tell them.  Let them know what you appreciate about them.   When you do this, you are providing a mirror for their passion.  Often we can not see our own gifts, we need the feedback from others. In doing so, we increase the universal energy flow.  Instead of scarcity, we experience abundance.