"Happy Thanksgiving!"   Over the next few days these two words will be used frequently in conversation between  friends, family members and acquaintances.  Thanksgiving is a holiday that calls us to focus on what we have to be grateful for and to extend the salutation to those we meet.  Some of us, however, might find that the words slip off of our tongues without much reflection upon what they really mean.  Some of us might not realize the spiritual healing and power that can be found in the act of feeling grateful.

Times have been rough, no doubt.  The economy has prohibited many of us from obtaining many of the things that we might need or want.  Many in our country, and elsewhere, have had to simplify their lives.  Many are suffering. Yet, even in the depth of suffering, we can all find something to be grateful about.  

Not enough has been said or written about the power of gratitude.  Gratitude is often illusive and overwhelmed by experiences of negativity, loss, doubt, fear...need I go on?  Yet, gratitude provides an experience of  positive emotion.   The more positive emotions we  create (yes we create it ourselves) the more benefits we experience in our health as well as our sense of well-being and happiness.  

Consider the "equal yet opposite" concept.  When we flood our minds, hearts and spirits with an equal amount of positive emotion--enough to counter our negativity--we tap on the ultimate source.  That's right!  We have direct access to universal love, joy and happiness.  How?  Try the exercise below and see what happens to you.  

Gratitude Exercise

1.  Grab a stack of index cards (or a pad of notepaper).

2.  Write one thing on each card that you can be grateful for.  If you have a hard time getting started, begin with something like "I am grateful that I can hear, see, feel, taste, etc."  If you have lost one or more of these senses, list the ones you still have.  

3.  Place each card or piece of paper on the floor around you.

4.  Continue on with simple things in life that you never even give thought to such as:  the sunrise, the moon, the beauty of the stars, gravity, and on and on.

5.  Continue on until you have at least 50 cards or sheets of paper placed on the floor around you.

6.  Now, pick them up one by one and meditate on each saying "I am so grateful for _____.  I can feel the positive energy of this and all of God's creation rushing through my body."

7.  Save your cards and add to the stack daily.

8.  Watch for the positive surge of energy and happiness this can bring.  Don't give up.  Continue with this practice daily.  You can contribute to the creation of  health, well -being and your sense of happiness by maintaining a sense of gratitude.

After you have completed this exercise, observe the difference in your thoughts and approach as you wish a most "Happy Thanksgiving" to those around you.  

I wish to you the most blessed Thanksgiving--one filled with joy, hope, love and gratitude.

Be blessed!

Rev. Barbara