GRATITUDE
The Virtue is Gratitude and the Saboteur is Resentment.
An ounce of gratitude shatters a pound of resentment.
Keeping in mind that our theme for this year is “Healing the Mind” we may need to look at gratitude in a whole new way. I think we usually approach the idea of gratitude as merely being thankful, which it is, but how does being thankful heal our minds?
Gratitude is very powerful medicine, it can actually improve our memory and give us greater patience, while helping us with the practice of mindfulness. That sounds like one of those miracle seminars, get rich in 40 days, lose all the weight you want in 10 days. Well, the practice of gratitude truly is miraculous, because of the investment of your mental attention.
“Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.” —- Dr. Martin Luther King
Thank you Dr. King for your beautiful words and for the eloquent way that you lived them. I am very grateful.
Resentment
Makes us forget all the good that is within us, around us and in our future.
Gratitude
Helps us to remember the good that exists within us and around us, keeping us free from the jaws of pessimism, angry outbursts and moments of feeling superior to other people.
Resentment
Makes us dwell on the words of others long after an argument has faded in time. It makes us forget that retaliation is escalation, not resolution.
Gratitude
Helps us to remember that we have spoken harshly to others and we are grateful that forgiveness sets us free from the past. The practice of gratitude makes us remember that we are all clumsy and hurt one another.
Resentment
Makes us pessimistic and even apathetic. Why should I try when I already know how it’ll turn out? People are mean, resentment makes us forget that you are a people too.
Gratitude
Helps us to be curious about giving and supporting, even if it is an uphill climb. I’m grateful that my painful past has taught me to have compassion for others.
Resentment
Makes us suspicious and it can even make us hard hearted.
Gratitude
Helps us to remember that we must learn to see with greater discernment and clarity. Being hard hearted can ruin our healthy mind and body. We are grateful for our mental and physical well being.
Resentment
Makes us shun those that we think are getting too many accolades and too much attention.
Gratitude
Helps us to remember that it is a good thing to celebrate the success of others. This keeps us safe from falling into the abyss of jealousy. That’s something worth being grateful for.
Resentment
Makes us impatient and impulsive .
Gratitude
Helps us to want to practice patience, so that at the end of the day, we aren’t feeling jittery and agitated. We are grateful to sleep soundly and arise with a clear mind. We are grateful for the strength that is inherent in the practice of patience.
Peace be with you
Namaste