A Heart Full of Gratitude
By Laura V. Hyde

“Love is the way I walk in gratitude.”
 — A Course in Miracles

Appreciating all that we have in our life produces harmonious relationships, creative and meaningful work, physical wellness, and genuine abundance. Appreciation validates our worth and immediately eliminates feelings pain, scarcity or lack. And as we relish all the wonderful aspects of our life, more abundance is allowed to pour forth, creating a consistent wellspring of balance, joy and peace.

Negating our self, relationships, or work, does not bring forth abundance. Focusing on what we already have, that which is good in our life, creates abundance. I once read an article on prayer where a Unity minister stated, “Most people pray for what they don’t want, not what they want.” This observation is indicative of the tremendous resistance we have to staying in the moment and to affirming the beauty present in our life.

I invite you to celebrate not only the big moments, so worthy of appreciation, but also the little blessings that come your way. Below are three practices for living in gratitude and when applied, will increase the flow of love and abundance in every area of your life:

1. Start Your Day with a Heart Full of Gratitude.
As you awaken each morning, bring gratitude into your awareness. Before getting out of bed, take a deep breath and silently say a prayer of thanks for the bed you slept in, for your body that will carry you through another day, the song bird singing outside your window, and the new day that is awaiting you. No blessing is too small to count, and everyone counted sets a tone for whatever the day may hold.

2. Take Time to Appreciate Life by Slowing Down!
Too often, we are in a hurry. Our breathing then becomes shallow and we are not fully in the moment. It is difficult to experience appreciation when we are feeling aggravated, impatient or stressed. Rather than moving quickly, take a moment to slow down, breathe deeply, and focus on one thing or person for whom you are grateful.

3. “Book-End” the Day in Thankfulness
Just as it is essential to begin your day with a prayer of gratitude, it is equally important to end the day with a prayer of thanks. Before going to sleep, think of all the blessings you received throughout the day (and keep in mind that even “challenges” can be “blessings in disguise”).

Further, consider the people in your life who deserve gratitude and acknowledgment. Remember all the love you have given, and all the love you have received. Nothing will create more abundance and fulfillment than experiencing the love that has flowed through your life, and continues to flow through it each and every day. This is how you “bookend” your day and usher in a peaceful night’s sleep.
 © Copyright Laura. All Rights Reserved

Laura V. Hyde is the Spiritual Leader of the Unity Church of Five Cities in Central Coast California. She provides spiritual counseling and offers workshops and retreats for awakening the heart and spirit. She is the author of “Gifts of the Soul” and “The Intimate Soul,” a syndicated columnist, and facilitator of A Course in Miracles. Laura is the host of “Relationship Wisdom” on Public Television. Please visit www.laurahyde.com
 

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