The word “gratitude” is related to “grace” and to “gratis” which means free. To feel gratitude is to become conscious of all the abundant grace that freely comes to us and to feel thankful in that recognition. Our hearts are full to overflowing, and are opened by this feeling of thanksgiving.
In this image, the heart is at the center pouring forth its loving warmth. All around it, in a circle, are emblems of some of the many things to be thankful for, including angelic animals, birds and bees, music, language, the elements of air, earth, fire, water, home, hands, tools for hands to use, and vessels to hold what is dear to us.
The posture of gratitude, along with love, is what fuels the creative process. When our hearts are full with gratitude we make room to experience what we feel to be good, and we acknowledge all the blessings we enjoy right here and now, letting go of our constant yearnings for more, or at least letting them be abated for a time while we savor the moment of satiation and joyful reward.
In these strange times of Coronavirus, I am grateful for so many things despite the loss of so many others. I am grateful for people’s help and care for each other, and for the birds singing, the geese who have returned, and the promise of spring that the earth still holds for us.
