If the only prayer you said in your whole life was ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.
~ Meister Eckhart
With Thanksgiving approaching faster than a turkey can dodge a farmer, gratitude is rising equally as fast to the top of the “things to be mindful of” list. Are you ready for a simple practice that could enhance the balance of your life? Over the past forty years of study, I have learned that some eastern teachings suggest we are born with a plethora of “seed potential” within; a potential that promises infinite possibilities. This awareness and the practice I am about to share with you have altered the trajectory of my life—and, for the most part, I’ve managed to keep my trajectory free of metaphysical potholes.
“Seeds” are a metaphor for the conscious (and subconscious) beliefs that lie dormant within, awaiting germination. We nurture certain thought seeds with our focus of attention. Imagine that! A seed is a kernel that contains the nucleus for new life, and not just the kind that makes the squirrels in your backyard go nuts. Like all seeds, thought seeds contain all the information necessary to fully grow to fruition whatever lies within the seed. It is said that within the small acorn lies the mighty oak tree. Likewise, the infinite potential for a life worth living already exists; but we have a role to play in accessing and bringing it into fruition. What we train our primary focus of attention on grows within our awareness, shaping our experiences, echoing the ancient adage, “As within, so without.” The hook is most of us are not even aware this principle is operating. Thus, too often our focused attention is drawn to the negative—we perceive the proverbial glass as perpetually being half empty, and let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just because someone drank the other half and didn’t tell us!
This fear-based belief has such a loud voice in our world it compels us to stare at what’s missing or lacking—and, thus we unknowingly nurture the impartial seeds of lack. Yet, with a sprinkle of effort (and maybe a dash of humor), we can alter the arc of our own destiny; we can rise above this collective mindset by consciously choosing to practice gratitude—a practice that takes just seconds each day. After all, who doesn’t have a few moments to spare daily for building and practicing such a powerful habit? Besides, it’s not like those 86,400 seconds are going anywhere; they’re just waiting for you to show them some love.
God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.
Have you used one to say thank you?
~ William A. Ward.
With clear intention, a new habit can begin to form in as few as three to four weeks. While embodying a new habit or behavior may require a bit longer to fully root, what better habit can we begin to cultivate than naturally focusing on life’s goodness?
With a little effort, “thanks living” can become a daily practice, reminding us of our blessings year-round—not just on the fourth Thursday of November when we conveniently forget that calories exist.
Countless ways exist to express gratitude; therefore, I challenge you to join me and make “thank you” your mantra for the next thirty days. The Universe has unusually large ears—seriously, you’d think it was part elephant—and hears and affirms whatever we affirm on a consistent basis. Your 86,400 seconds start now!
NOTE: As Thanksgiving approaches, I offer you a gift to elevate your gratitude practice: a FREE thirty-day Gratitude Journal available as a PDF download via the link at the end of this message. I encourage you to print the Journal, use it mindfully, and even share it with friends and family (because sharing is caring, and also because it’s a PDF, so why not?). Starting the Journal during Thanksgiving week can carry you through Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas, buoyed by a healthy dose of gratitude.
Thank you for being a cherished part of my extended family this year. Your presence has been a blessing in my life, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Now go forth and sprinkle those gratitude seeds like you’re the Johnny Appleseed of thankfulness!
