It’s impossible to experience a True Spiritual Awakening without understanding and applying Gratitude. Although it might sound like a simple thing, Gratitude can only be experienced and developed in a true state of Love, Service, and Humility.
A Step Toward Christ Consciousness
One of the major steps toward Christ Consciousness is that of Acceptance, which is primarily motivated by Gratitude. For us to fully experience Acceptance, we must hold Gratitude as our dearest friend, whose name we speak often. In other words, if we want to experience a greater abundance of money, love, friendship or even God’s presence, we must first embrace and totally accept the state/level that we are already at–which also means accepting your part in creating whatever current situation we have.
One of the surest ways of knowing that we are accomplishing this empowering and vital level of consciousness (i.e. a state of acceptance) is in our ability to express Gratitude. This means giving thanks for what we have before we try to create a change in any given situation or circumstance. In other words, let’s give thanks (which means acceptance) for our body as it is (which means being at peace) before expecting a permanent change in that same body. If we are on food stamps, let’s give thanks for that form of prosperity before we try for the lottery. And let’s love the person or job we have (as much as possible) before we leave for another.
Gratitude Brings Closure
Giving thanks brings closure to the past (and its lessons) while anchoring and integrating that which we are giving thanks for. There is one precaution, however, that I should mention. Be careful not to give thanks with an attitude of self pity. It is not in our best interest to say I am grateful for even the little I have with an attitude of “woe is me” or even false humility. Instead, the thanks and Gratitude that I am referring to is one that feels sincere, empowering and brings a smile to our face.
When looking over our life, we can learn feel a lightness in our heart for all of the experiences that we have had, including our past relationships. With a highly developed ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE we truly multiply how much love and joy we feel towards everyone we have known.
Gratitude Is Proactive
Gratitude is very proactive rather than passive. Gratitude demonstrates an attitude of Love rather than fear; acceptance rather than control and resistance; appreciation rather than taking for granted. This all leads us to a more joy-filled life. We actually begin to witness new creations that are progressively easier to give thanks for. In other words, an attitude of Gratitude breeds more Loving, nurturing relationships, a greater sense of Prosperity and Abundance, a healthier body a greater sense of self-worth and a more consistent connection to God.
This is not to say that challenges do not arise, Quite the contrary! We all experience challenges in our lives. However, we can lighten our load and, in fact, greatly alter the way we perceive it. Even as we learn, more and more, to live a life of Mastery, we might still experience life’s highs and lows such as communication breakdowns, old issues surfacing, moments of self doubt, etc… Yet, as we develop the use of Gratitude, we also learn to hold a greater vision and focus on trusting our Divinity and continue the forward movement on our path.
Gratitude is something to be experienced HERE AND NOW. It’s not a thank you that is to be applied only after we receive something that we perceive as “good.” Before we can experience Heaven in its totality, we must first experience it here on earth. This is done through Gratitude for each and every aspect of our life.
