“There are many things for which we cannot be grateful but there is no moment for which we cannot be grateful, because in every moment, even difficult ones, we have the opportunity to do something.” — Brother David Steindl-Rast

Welcome to Day 2 of our Gratitude Experience.

Today we invite you to choose a different way to see the world, through being consciously aware and choosing to live a grateful life.

How do you take yourself from moments of gratitude to experiencing a grateful life? And does this mean you have to be grateful for all life’s experiences, even the ones that don’t feel so good?

Throughout these 7 days, we recommend you:

• Use a journal for your thoughts, reflections and to capture any inspiration or ideas; and if you are interested in why we suggest writing in your journal, check out why Oprah has been doing it for 16 years;
• Continue with your meditation as this is a great way to integrate your experiences and provides much needed reflection time; and
• Take the time to really immerse yourself into activities or videos that are posed each day

We also would love to hear from you throughout the experience, add your thoughts and comments on our Facebook page. And remember if you would like to connect to anyone in our Embrace Life community, check out out our members directory or visit us at one of our upcoming festivals within in your local area.

Today’s affirmation: ” For all that is, I am Grateful”

You may want to reflect on this affirmation, and set the intention to bring into your meditation.

Remember that the use of an affirmation can assist you when your mind drifts in a meditation, so if you feel you drifting off and becoming aware of your busy mind, then come back to the affirmation.

It also is a wonderful way to keep focussed throughout the day.

Your Daily Meditation

Now, take a few moments to look at the image we have captured for you today, what does this image reflect for you?

Breathe in the quietness and stillness and ponder on the beauty that nature provides. Feel the serenity of the colours, the whispers of mother nature – are you sensing any messages that are just for you?

Do you take the time to look at your surroundings in this way, remaining in the present or does life pass you by in a blur? (Remember to capture your thoughts in your journal)

And what about the quote :“There are many things for which we cannot be grateful, but there is no moment for which we cannot be grateful, because in every moment, even difficult ones, we have the opportunity to do something.”  what does that mean for you?

Brother David is a Benedictine monk and talks about how we all look for happiness in life, it may differ on what will actually make us happy, but we all seek it. He believes that happiness comes from the state of gratitude ( and not the other way around).

He explains and on his return from Africa, he noticed how grateful he was for clear water and electricity; yet over time he started to not notice it as much, and took his surroundings for granted.

Here is the wonderful TED Talk that Brother David Steindl-Rast gave around living a grateful life. 

Brother David believes that all experiences hold potential, and it is the opportunity within each moment that is the true gift for us.

At each moment, there is a new opportunity and a new gift, as long as we stay in the present.

The things we perceive as challenges will give us a gift in the opportunity to step into our power, learn patience, slow down, etc – so every moment holds an opportunity and a reason to be grateful.

Some further questions to ponder today:

• Are there parts in in your life, that you find it hard to be grateful for, why is this?
• Do you give yourself time to STOP, LOOK and GO?
• What possibilities could come in your life, if you choose a different way to view it?

These questions do not have right or wrong answers, they are here to allow you to take time to become more self-aware, and see how your inner thoughts and feelings are shaping your world.

What do you want to focus on creating today?

We invite you today to take moments of being fully present, become quiet and stop to appreciate what you are doing and experiencing – this could be the clear running water in your shower or bath, the fresh air that you breathe, the electricity you have access to, a warm cup of tea, the sounds of the birds or just even sounds, the sun on your back, the crispness of air, the food you consume, the list could be endless.

Take the time to remind yourself of the things you already have today, acknowledge them and appreciate the abundance surrounding you on a daily basis.