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Gratitude: Establishing Routines to Acknowledge and Give Thanks

posted May 14, 2011 6:02 PM by Muktananda Saraswati   [ updated May 14, 2011 6:18 PM ]

Essence: Appreciation

  • Appreciation of what is present in your life
  • Appreciation of the natural state of abundance
An important first step on the path to reach a life goal is the ongoing articulation of gratitude. Whether it is a gratitude journal or a daily prayer, giving thanks for that which is can help in placing life in perspective. In addition, gratitude enhances the flow of productive energy. Being aware of what has blessed your life can guide you toward energy that is, in effect, “working” for you. This energy’s guidance can assist in shaping your desires—what you would like to manifest. Viewing this concept from a perspective of energetic awareness can help expand understanding and offer access to a more purposeful co-creation. Even if your life is currently difficult, there are energies that are working for you, trying to get your attention.

Engaging in a Blessing to Express Gratitude not only honours but expands the goodness and abundance that is a natural part of life. In some cases, a ceremony may be completed to acknowledge the manifestation of a specific desire, such as a new job or a new partner. In other cases, a general thanksgiving is offered simply to stay aware of guiding energy and the natural state of abundance. The ceremony below is a framework upon which to build a routine of expressing gratitude. Various examples of blessing affirmations are offered which could be included in this ceremony. Please individualise as needed by adapting or expanding affirmations that apply to your own situation.
 

A Blessing Guide

Materials:

  • Small candle, pink representing love and appreciation; matches
  • Pen and small piece of paper
  • Fresh flower
  • Small ceramic dish of spring water

Ceremonial Flow:

  1. In a sacred space where you won’t be disturbed, arrange the materials on a small table surface.
  1. Pause, Clear, Deepen…
  1. Light the candle, focusing on appreciation. If you are celebrating an event, keep the image in your heart and mind of the specific event for which you are thankful.
  1. Write the expression of your gratitude (the Blessing Affirmation) on a small piece of paper.
  1. Read the expression three times, pausing between each reading to absorb the joy and welcome this new state of being.
  1. Place the piece of paper on a table surface and place the fresh flower on top of the paper. The flower represents the “new life” that has been initiated by the event for which you are thankful.
  1. Sprinkle a few drops of the spring water onto the flower and paper. As you deeply experience gratitude, allow full emotional expressions of sincere appreciation, joy and delight.
  1. As the water dries, remember your journey and congratulate yourself on this achievement. Consider the sequence of events. What did you learn? What energy was activated and enhanced? What worked well? Give thanks again.
  1. End the ceremony by saying, “Thank you. The blessing is complete.”

Continued Energetic Effects

Place the flower in a vase where you will see it daily. Set the piece of paper upright next to the vase so that you will read it daily for as long as the flower is fresh.

Continue to repeat this blessing as events in your life create new energies and awareness. Give continuous thanks for the abundant blessings that manifest in your life.


Examples of Blessing Affirmations/Expressions of Gratitude

Relationship/Life Partner: I am thankful for the new relationship with ...... The gift of her/his love, friendship, humour, challenges and spirit are appreciated deeply. I honour this gift with all of my being, taking care to enjoy each and every moment. Thank you.  

New Confidence: I am thankful for gaining new confidence. I now approach my friendships with wisdom and clarity, with the intention of setting boundaries that are healthy and mutually beneficial. This will provide a new depth in my friendships. Thank you. 

Pregnancy: I am thankful for a healthy pregnancy. I honour the new life as it begins and I am grateful for the continuous nourishment that provides strength, love and growth. I revere each moment of this experience. Thank you. 

Abundance: I am thankful for new abundance in my life. I honour these gifts and create ways in which the good of all can be involved in the enjoyment of this abundance. I am especially thankful for the means through which my children can achieve their educational goals. Thank you. 

Lesson Learned: I am thankful for the new lesson I have just learned in my life. I appreciate this opportunity to continue to grow and evolve into the truest expression of my self.  

New Health: I celebrate the new vitality that I feel within my body, my spirit and my mind. My gratitude for the strength and renewed physical awareness is immense. I give thanks. 

Financial Ease: I am grateful for the new possibilities placed in my life through the achievement of financial ease. This gift has allowed me to create new directions and follow goals and dreams that I hold near and dear to my heart. Thank you. 

Spiritual Growth: I am thankful for the spiritual growth that has come into my life and caused me to deepen my awareness, my ability to love and the light within my soul. I honour this gift and am humbled by it. I give thanks. 

Engaging in an ongoing practice of gratitude allows energy channels to remain open and clear. As you experience the richness of life, giving thanks increases energetic awareness. It allows you to acknowledge the guidance you are receiving and offers a pathway with which you can respond and co-create

Rebecca Burns © 2007                   http://www.soothethespirit.com/

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