Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

In school, the lunch break started with this prayer where we used to thank the supreme creator of the Universe for the food, birds and all most everything.

At that age, I never understood the meaning of the prayer and the rationale behind praying. It was just another activity to be performed in school.

We just keep taking things for granted.

But there is a time in life when we realize that we should intentionally express our gratitude to our fellow human beings, the nature, the society and the Universe for the boundless and all-encompassing bounty that has been bestowed on us.

Before meal in the Hindu culture, we often say, “Annadata Sukhi Bhava” which means, “Those who are providing me with this food, let them be happy’. We pray for the farmer who has grown the food, the merchant who sells food and the cook who has prepared the food. Everyone should be happy and prosperous. It is important to note that we are not just thanking the Supreme Universe or Mother Earth, but the entire community.

The profound and simple act of thanking a librarian, bus driver, colleague and or someone who cleans your house can be very humbling and also serve as an eye-opener that we have those seemingly little or inconsequential things which others do not have or afford. Close your eyes for a moment and thank the Universe for what you neglect- your job, our family, the cup of coffee and the food in your pantry. Even your phone, internet, TV and your computer! You can afford all this and have the power and knowledge to use these gadgets, and they are at your disposal.

I know you are not content and want more. Who doesn’t want more? There is nothing wrong in desiring more but feel thankful for what you already have.

You have already amassed so much and take a moment to thank Universe for all the overflowing abundance that has been poured on to your lap.

Don’t just compare yourself to others regarding things, but experiences. If you are reading this blog, consider yourself lucky. Only 40% of the world population has access to the internet, and you are one of them.

I know you don’t believe me that you are lucky and fortunate. Do a little experiment. For the next one month, write at least five things that you are grateful for every day. Look at your list after one month; you will surely have 150 or more things to be grateful for. Appreciate the littlest thing that you have neglected till now. You will be filled with deep and sincere contentment towards life and the Universe. As Rhonda Byrne, wrote in The Secret, “Be grateful for what you have now. As you begin to think about all the things in your life you are grateful for, you will be amazed at the never-ending thoughts that come back to you of more things to be grateful for. You have to make a start, and then the law of attraction will receive those grateful thoughts and give you more just like them.” 

As Albert Einstein said: “There are only two ways to live your life, one is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as if everything is.” Einstein has given a simple life philosophy that one should be thankful for everything. You can breathe, smile, dream, hope, is it less than a miracle?

Now you may say, that you have your own set of problems and have faced many trials. Should we be thankful for our obstacles?  I know life can be tough but take a step back and have a deep breath. Don’t you think all these challenges and difficulties have taught you about conflict resolution as a means to connect with higher dimensions of consciousness? Your problems are a chance to evolve, to grow and to learn. Use your problems for making a better life and for making a better you.

We all know about the journey of a cocoon to butterfly. Its tough, its gruesome but it’s radical and transformative.

Be humble and thank the universe for all the mercy, love and protection in spite of all our shortcomings and faults.

Whenever you are in trouble and there is no way out remember these powerful words by Rhonda Bryne from the book, The Secret, “There is no such thing as a hopeless situation. Every single circumstance of your life can change! “

A simple thank you is a mighty word.

Use it abundantly, generously and plentifully!