Summary

The article discusses the transformative power of gratitude, detailing the author's personal journey from viewing gratitude as a restrictive platitude to embracing it as a liberating and empowering spiritual practice that enhances happiness and personal growth.

Abstract

The author reflects on their initial resistance to the concept of gratitude, which was perceived as a means to stifle aspirations, especially during their adolescence in South East London. However, through personal growth and spiritual exploration, the author's perspective shifted dramatically. Now, gratitude is seen as a foundational principle that not only acknowledges and appreciates current blessings but also acts as a catalyst for attracting more abundance, love, and serenity into one's life. The article emphasizes that gratitude is not a limiting belief but a springboard for greater experiences and a deeper connection with the self and the world. The author encourages readers who feel disconnected or low to engage in a practice of daily gratitude, suggesting a walking meditation as a practical exercise to foster this mindset. The article concludes with a gentle reminder to incorporate gratitude into everyday life, even when facing challenges, and invites readers to explore more uplifting content on the author's blog and the ILLUMINATION publication on Medium.

Opinions

The author initially felt that expressions of gratitude were used to suppress desires for more in life.
Athletics served as a liberating force for the author, fueling a desire for greater freedom and exploration.
The author's current view of gratitude is that it is a core spiritual principle that enhances freedom rather than restricts it.
Gratitude is described as a magnet that attracts more of what one has, including both positive and challenging experiences.
The article suggests that gratitude fosters a sense of grounding, security, and connection with Spirit.
The author believes that sharing gifts and strengths, and supporting one another, is crucial for personal and collective growth.
A walking gratitude meditation is proposed as a method to practice and embody gratitude.
The author acknowledges the struggles of life but maintains that gratitude is a powerful tool for healing, happiness, and growth.
The article encourages readers to persist in their gratitude practice, even when it feels difficult, as a means to uplift themselves and others.

Life Lessons| Self Improvement| Mindfulness | Gratitude

How To Be Happy And Practice Gratitude Daily

Even if you feel unworthy and unhappy

It’s weird, init.

Years ago, before I taught yoga and started all this spiritual work, I didn’t even know “being grateful” and to practice gratitude daily was a thing!

Sure, mum and dad brought me up to say “please and thank you,” and to “be grateful for what you’ve got.”

But, as a teen, whenever I heard that expression “be grateful, be thankful for what you’ve got” I blew a fuse…

I saw the expression used as a platitude to keep me, a young black-skinned girl growing up in South East London, in my place; to not ask or expect more from life; but to just sit down and be thankful for what I’ve got.

It made little sense to me.

My desire for more freedom, to expand and explore life beyond the confines of “what I’ve got” silently grew in my heart.

And then, aged 12, I discovered athletics.

Oh, the joy and freedom of beating the clock and speeding like a gazelle down the home straight.

It fuelled my desire for more.

I wanted to stretch out and go for the gold.

“Be grateful” felt like a straitjacket.

Like someone was trying to keep me in “my place.”

And I didn’t want to be restricted.

I wanted to be free.

And I wanted freedom now!

Fast forward 30+ years…

OMG… that same expression “”give thanks” and “be grateful for what you’ve got” is a core spiritual principle I live by.

Seriously.

I am now “so grateful.”

“So thankful” for what I have got.

And that restrictive feeling has gone.

I understand the depth of the teachings.

The perception, presence and power of acknowledging and appreciating what I have got, doesn’t restrict or limit my thinking.

No!

It’s a springboard.

A magnet to attract more of what I have got.

And desire.

More life.

More love.

More sadness,

More sorrow,.. more grace and more serenity.

And from that place, that understanding of appreciation, I am grounded.

Secure.

Connected with Spirit.

Free to fly wherever the winds may blow.

And still return home to self.

Yep, I am always knocked off centre, fall flat on my face, let down by others and struggle to get by…

However, now I can rise, inspire myself. And others.

And through the power of our combined love, we draw on the strength of the ancestors and those waiting to be born and come together as we return home.

Through the power of being grateful, we come together, acknowledge our unique spot on the wall and give thanks.

Give thanks for our gifts to heal our world and resource our well.

Weird init!

Who would have thought, “be grateful for what you’ve got” now turns out to be so meaningful in my daily life!

So, today, if you are feeling low, disconnected, despair and your glass is half empty, and you have nothing to be grateful for.

I hear you.

That’s OK.

Life sucks.

And, as I have learnt, the fastest way to heal, be happy and grow is to share our gifts and strengths; to support and uplift each other for the higher good of humanity.

So, in the spirit of gratitude, I invite you to press play and practice this walking gratitude meditation with me.

And gentle reminder, as you go through your day, even if your heart feels heavy, remember to:

Take a moment, lengthen your spine, lower your shoulders, and inhale fully into your belly, spread your feet out wide, and whisper… I am grateful. I am grateful. I am grateful as you softly exhale.

You got this, dear heart.

Keep walking, connecting with your breath and say “I am grateful.” “I am grateful”. “I am grateful.”

Thanks so much for reading!

This article was originally published on my blog at https://yogainspires.co.uk on July 21, 2020.

Read my Illumination bio to explore more of my articles.

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