I notice the word gratitude contains the word attitude (you probably have too!). Attitude is defined as; "manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, especially of the mind." Gratitude shifts one's 'tendency of the mind" to be in a state of wanting or lack to being in one of abundance.
I experienced that shift this weekend. My disposition is generally one of constant education/self-improvement which, I must admit, frequently puts me in a 'wanting' state. While it is admirable and good to set goals and to want to be the best one can be, I find with wanting, let's say, to lose weight and save money, that my focus very easily lands on where I'm not (my goal weight) and what I don't have (an awesome retirement savings). This leads to feeling dissatisfied and generally seeing my cup 1/2 empty, which makes me not my fun self.
This past Sunday, I participated in a mega-session of yoga to raise money for and awareness of arthritis and autoimmune disorders. I was moved by the story a guest speaker told about his sufffering with the pain of arthritis in his twenties and his gratefulness for the research which has given him the help he needs to live a full life. It made me very thankful that I am physically able to participate in yoga, in skiing, in most any activity I choose to and to do them pain free (except when I fall ...yes, I fall doing yoga). I also became aware of the generosity and support that surrounds me in my family and friends. I am overwhelmed by the donations they made sponsoring me. I am abundantly supplied with love, support and encouragement as well as a huge freedom of choice. What is the purpose of all this self improvement anyway? Well for me, after this weekend, it is to be of service, to do what I can however I can to make life better not just for myself, but for others.
Now coming from a perspective of abundance, of gratitude, instead of one of lack or wanting, dealing with improving myself is a luxury, it is a priviledge, a duty and a choice which makes succeeding a whole lot more likely. Its' great when shift happens.
I experienced that shift this weekend. My disposition is generally one of constant education/self-improvement which, I must admit, frequently puts me in a 'wanting' state. While it is admirable and good to set goals and to want to be the best one can be, I find with wanting, let's say, to lose weight and save money, that my focus very easily lands on where I'm not (my goal weight) and what I don't have (an awesome retirement savings). This leads to feeling dissatisfied and generally seeing my cup 1/2 empty, which makes me not my fun self.
This past Sunday, I participated in a mega-session of yoga to raise money for and awareness of arthritis and autoimmune disorders. I was moved by the story a guest speaker told about his sufffering with the pain of arthritis in his twenties and his gratefulness for the research which has given him the help he needs to live a full life. It made me very thankful that I am physically able to participate in yoga, in skiing, in most any activity I choose to and to do them pain free (except when I fall ...yes, I fall doing yoga). I also became aware of the generosity and support that surrounds me in my family and friends. I am overwhelmed by the donations they made sponsoring me. I am abundantly supplied with love, support and encouragement as well as a huge freedom of choice. What is the purpose of all this self improvement anyway? Well for me, after this weekend, it is to be of service, to do what I can however I can to make life better not just for myself, but for others.
Now coming from a perspective of abundance, of gratitude, instead of one of lack or wanting, dealing with improving myself is a luxury, it is a priviledge, a duty and a choice which makes succeeding a whole lot more likely. Its' great when shift happens.
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