A lot of people talk about gratitude this time of year. It is almost like it is a passing thing. “It’s the season, they say. Gratitude is not something you can fake. It is not something that you can just talk about, but not actually live.

So then, can we have authentic gratitude? Can we live a life of thanks-living? Can we live in a way which we have gratitude as a state of mind?

Gratitude does not necessarily mean that you will be happy. But, it does certainly increase your appreciation for life. It brings balance to those parts of the self that have cultivated our attachment to our suffering, which causes us to feel victimized by life.

Gratitude is the highest form of acceptance. In gratitude, we learn that a resistance to acceptance amplifies our suffering. If we are holding on to resentments or angers, we are not fully letting go and it blocks us from living fully. Read this article on gratitude and resentment from gratitude researcher Kerry Howells, to learn more.

Tip: Think of something in the past.  Meet each moment with a nonjudgmental awareness.   Meet yourself with kindness and a willingness not to suffer for what happened. Bring your younger self some compassion. Settle back to observe with clarity and perspective that which calls out for healing. Take some deep breaths and show kindness to yourself and gradually, the gratitude can come forth. Watch our YouTube Channel for more helpful tips!

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