The Magic Word
Everyone has been witness to this scene at one time or another: You give a child a present or a treat. They gladly receive the gift and begin to enjoy it. Inevitably, Mom or Dad nearby begins prompting: “What do you say?” and “What is the magic word?”
Well, of course, the magic word is “thank you!” We have all been taught to be grateful for the good things that we receive. Furthermore, we are encouraged to give to others. Random acts of kindness, paying it forward and volunteering all show appreciation and are outward extensions of our inward gratitude for our own blessings. Rumi, the poet, wrote “one who cherishes gratitude does not cling to the gift!” To me, that means that you give the gift of gratitude to others.
Gratitude is a popular topic. Dr. Robert Emmons from Berkeley has spent much of his career scientifically studying gratitude. His one book is titled “How the Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier.” In this work, he says that human beings have a happiness set point. Some people are naturally happier than others, but you can increase that set point of happiness by making gratitude a habit. He has discovered that gratitude can actually increase happiness levels by 25%. Gratitude can decrease cortisol, the stress hormone, and increase oxytocin, the hug hormone.
So how do we spiritually embed gratitude in our consciousness? How do we make gratitude our default position? Our natural instinct?
Both Dr. Emmons and Rhonda Byrne agree that gratitude is awareness of the present moment. Dr. Emmons describes this in his book, “Gratitude Works! A 21 Day Program” and Rhonda Byrne, who wrote “The Secret,” also wrote a subsequent book called “The Magic.” Yes, that magic word of “Thank You!”
Gratitude is a spiritual practice. It is a daily habit that needs to be developed so that we are more aware of this present moment and our blessings. It is our awareness of Spirit as we move through each day. In a way, it is how we can pray without ceasing!
Gratitude is our reset button when negative, complaining thoughts drift. Gratitude can shift our focus from our selves and place it on something that brings out our best and highest selves. Try to be angry and grateful in the same moment! Try to complain and be grateful in the same moment! It is impossible. Gratitude celebrates the blessings of the moment. Moment by moment, gratitude can become our nature, our default position, our set point.
Rhonda Bryne and others remind us of using a variety of methods throughout the day so we can create more gratitude moments. Tying gratitude to daily routines such as hand washing or drinking coffee or water can help us focus on gratitude. Playing a special song each day where you enumerate your blessings. Having a special rock in your pocket during the day to remind you to thank Spirit for your blessings. Of course, there is the gratitude journal. Oprah Winfrey says that starting a gratitude journal was the greatest decision she has made! Each day Oprah looks for five blessings to write in her journal. Counting these blessings has become a daily habit or spiritual practice for Oprah, and it should be for us.
Embed gratitude in your heart! Count your blessings every day.
Do you have a favorite method for reminding yourself to focus on gratitude? We would love to know what it is. Please share in the comments below.
