In thanksfulness

Almost twenty years ago, a very good friend of mine told me about a new exercise she started; every morning, as she wakes up, she says thanks for she was granted a new day to live. And every night, before she falls asleep, again, she says thanks for the day she had, while reflecting upon its lessons and experiences. Giving simple thanks for life's moments.

I thought it will be a nice thing to do, and so I started doing it as well, not realizing how deep this practice may penetrate. I still enjoy this simple practice after all these years. Being in thankfulness runs a similar line in most of the world's religions. In Judaism, as soon as opening the eyes in the morning, a blessing is recited, thanking God for retuning the soul with compassion. In certain Shinto sects, one is asking in gratitude to be a pure vessel to God's will. In Islam, the majority of scholars are of the view that prostration for thankfulness is considered as a form of prayer. Some Buddhists consider that to be a Buddhist is to recognize, honor, and be thankful for every single experience, whether pleasurable, painful, or neutral.

From Wikipedia:
Although gratitude is something that anyone can experience, some people seem to feel grateful more often than others. People who tend to experience gratitude more frequently than do others also tend to be happier, more helpful and forgiving, and less depressed than their less grateful counterparts (Kashdan, Uswatte, & Julian, 2006; McCullough, Emmons, & Tsang, 2002; Watkins, Woodward, Stone, & Kolts, 2003)

Being in thankfulness helps us appreciate what is, and takes our focus away from what isn't. We may have more love and respect to those around us, especially those who are the closest to our hearts, those who, at times, are taken for granted.

I am in deep gratitude to God, my teachers, my family, friends and students and this life I was granted. May the holidays bring sweetness and unity everywhere.