The true grateful feelings around Thanksgiving are seldom practiced after the actual day of celebration.
Over the years, the historical story about the Native Americans and Pilgrims’ special meal evolved into a national day of gratitude. Since the late 1700s, people celebrate this event in history by sharing a large meal with loved ones. But how about the days after Thanksgiving? How can we make every day a day of thanksgiving?
Unity published a booklet called how Gratitude Changes Everything. I would like to share the great tips listed in the article at the back of the booklet.
Five Ways to Live in Gratitude
- Count your blessings—especially if you’re feeling low.
- Light a candle for someone in your home. (Or engage in some of the activities listed on the Gratefulness website)
- Start a gratitude journal. Each day before going to bed, write down five to 10 things you’re grateful for.
- Make gratitude part of your daily routine. Give thanks as part of every meditation and prayer practice.
- Give back to the universe through random acts of kindness. Pay for the next customer’s coffee drink. Help someone with their groceries. Give an unexpected tip. Smile at passersby. Give an unexpected compliment.
Let’s forget the buying frenzy that typically occurs the days after Thanksgiving. Let’s leave the commercialism behind and proclaim this year’s holiday as the beginning of a gratitude practice every day!
In the famous words of Meister Eckhart:
“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”
