What is the nature of gratitude? We speak of thanks and giving back, but what is the true nature of a grateful gesture? Gratitude hinges on respect; a clarity of perspective that acknowledges another with full admiration and sincerity. Gratitude is free of obligation or bond. It also requires honesty and a willingness to be beholden to someone else’s achievements or kindness or mere existence without envy or greed. So, what are the things we can be truly grateful for?
The radiant place of gratitude; the heart of all life, which creates the space for affective human interaction is often misunderstood. On the surface, this abode appears to be a construct that we provide for someone else; a pleasant platitude that fulfills a social obligation, or a way to convey thanks that are humble, especially if those thanks are freely given. However, there is much more going on at a deep level when these amenities truly come from the heart. Namely that this thing we call gratitude is a two-way street; a blessing that goes both ways.
Have you ever had that marvelous feeling of joy when your sincere thanks are heartily received and you share in the purity of a profound exchange? A certain magic occurs that is healing, inspiring, useful, but in a non-linear or pragmatic way. This is why we say that something like this “hits home” – heart is where the home is. We associate the word home with a place that we live in, which is both a factual reality and a metaphorical state of being. When you are at home with something, you feel comfortable and secure in that reality; it is a place where you can relax and be your most authentic self. This could be a place or a situation or a personal exchange with someone that brings out the best of you and opens you to a more favorable understanding; a radiant place of profound and reciprocal thankfulness for whatever is occurring in that moment. This is the awesome power of gratitude. This is the reason to never leave home without it.
Creating a life filled with radiant joy by building the grateful abode in the heart is a choice, but it is one that brings only benefit. It is like the proverbial genie in a bottle that dispenses favors and fulfills wishes. Each time we call upon that genie we are rewarded with new knowledge, greater self-identity, a stronger spirit. When you inevitably find yourself feeling angry, bored, or dissatisfied, as we all must do from time to time, check into the grateful abode and find something to be grateful for. If your dog ruined your new rug; if you have lost a loved one; if you are not feeling well look into gratitude, perhaps not for the situation at hand, but as a better way to deal with the frustrations of life. Find something to be grateful for and you will soon feel a little better. Live from a place of eternal gratitude and you will master the universe.
"Gratitude hinges on respect; a clarity of perspective that acknowledges another with full admiration and sincerity."