Gratitudes

I have been hearing for a few years of the benefits and importance of being grateful. Grateful appreciation for little, daily things. To keep a gratitude list. And, perhaps in time, through a deepening of our practice, to develop true gratitude for even the tougher things that life gives to us.

An article published on Forbes.com in November, 2014 titled "7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round" lists, funny enough, seven scientifically proven benefits of showing gratitude. Among the benefits are improved physical health, improved psychological health and improved self esteem. 

(Click the above link, or check out the article here: http://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2014/11/23/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-of-gratitude-that-will-motivate-you-to-give-thanks-year-round/)

These benefits and more - an calmness of mind, greater appreciation for ever aspect, including the pain, of life - have also long been simply known by those who follow a spiritual path. Or even who just meditate and practice gratitude every day.

And I know I can be a complainer. I often don't appreciate what I have until later, when it's gone. And then I mourn the loss, and say, "I wish I'd appreciated that a little/ a lot more."

The best way to appreciate, to be grateful, is to practice it even a little each day. 

Today is list one of my gratitudes. Yes, I'm starting small. Not yet am I ready to be grateful for my sorrows, but one day at a time.

Today I am grateful for and I appreciate:

• My mental agility. I am intelligent, and sharp.
• The beautiful weather today - sunny and warm.
• Employment. Glad I have a job to go to..
• Dexter. I love his happiness, how he just rolls with the punches.