The holidays are a time of gratitude.
And even in a year of pandemics, natural disasters, and political and economic uncertainty - there is still much to be grateful for.
The fact that you’re now here reading these words is already a cause for gratitude. Not to mention all the loved ones, blessings, opportunities, and natural wonders that still surround us.
And as always, the possibility of a better tomorrow will forever remain a reason to be grateful.
Gladden your heart
In one of Buddha’s well-known analogies, he said that receiving a human birth is more rare than the chance that a blind turtle floating in the ocean would stick its head through a small hoop.
It is said that he would often instruct a monk to take his ground cloth into the forest, sit at the base of a tree, and begin "gladdening the heart" by reflecting on the series of fortunate circumstances that had given the monk the motivation and ability to seek freedom through understanding the path.
To gladden your own heart, we have prepared a guided meditation that connects you with a deep sense of gratitude for all that exists within you and around you:
Take time after your meditation with your journal as you write to these journaling prompts:
What was the best thing that happened last week that you are grateful for?
Write a thank you letter to your current biggest supporter.
What in nature do you feel gratitude for?
Love heals: and the world needs healing now more than ever.
But how does one tap into the vibration of love - particularly during times of disruption and uncertainty?
Family gatherings may be cancelled or hosted virtually - yet the stress of food and gift preparations, expectations, and reunions remains.
Not to mention the anxiety of the global situation that can further pull us away from the peace and joy we crave at the end of each year.