In/gratitude

We as humans, and especially Americans, take things for granted. We expect things to go our way and just happen for us and when they don't we curse the gods for getting burned. We strongly believe in the illusion of control and feel that we must have it or exert it at all times. The simple truth is that control is a hollow form. We can't control God or Nature (human or otherwise) so our lives will always be a balance of both good and bad. No matter how hard you try, life will never be perfect, and believe it or not that's a good thing. Perfection is an ideal not to be reached because by it's very definition there's nowhere to grow from it. We must accept the gifts of the good times, but also the lessons that the bad and unfortunate times can teach us.

Acceptance and gratitude go hand in hand. It's easy to say that I should be thankful for what I have but it's harder to execute. It's easy to lose sight of what you've gained when, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we are always focused on planning or saving for our next big thing. However, if you allow yourself to take a breath and see what it is you actually have, you will truly start to feel blessed. And it's not just the small or material things, (i.e. new clothes, books, DVDs, games, etc.), but the big ones as well, (food, shelter, water). These are all gifts and should be looked at as such.

Different cultures view the various aspects of life differently but those of us in the western 'civilized' part of the world have become a bit spoiled and soft. Be it due to personal expectations, society, or how we were raised we become bummed when we don't have enough money to buy our new, shiny fetish of the moment, or don't have the time to go out to eat at our favorite restaurant. When really we need to show thanks for what we do have time for, the intangibles like friends, love, and laughter. I'm just like most people in this respect. Recently I've been searching for a new and better job and have been getting very few results. It's been depressing but lately I've been trying to remind myself to be gracious for all that I do have. So I've been struggling with changing my ways, all while learning to live in, and more importantly honor, the present moment(s).

It's hard to give thanks to the obvious that has grown to become passe'. First things first you have to recognize them; actually take the time and reflect on what's truly going on with your life, remembering that it doesn't have to be a boon to be a blessing. You should come up with quite the list but at the absolute least you should be thankful for another day. Another day is another chance at life, and if you don't like its direction, it's another chance to change. Now, when you do realize what you have, the trick is how you should give thanks.

Giving thanks doesn't mean you have to drop to your knees and pray, (although there's nothing wrong with this), it simply means taking the time to consider resources. For instance, how did that dinner make its way to your plate? I'm pretty sure you don't farm or butcher meat. What about your favorite comfy shirt, or that show that helps take your mind off the world for 30 minutes? How did they get to where they are? All it takes is a moment or three out of the day to reflect on what you have and giving a quick 'mental thank you' to the people, animals, things, or gods that let you have them. (Did you ever think, 'Man, I wish this moment would never end'? If so then that's the perfect time to do this.) Because the fact of the matter is you could always have things much worse. No matter how low you feel your life has gotten, you're always standing on the shoulders of someone that's underneath you, so its best to appreciate what you got while you still got it. Gratitude is one of the paths to wisdom. All you have to do is walk it and see where it takes you.