Keep learning, practicing, modelling gratefulness and doing the intentional, ‘heavy lifting’ myself. Learning with/ from and following the lead of Pilgrim and many, many others on the path. Being humble, curious, creative and aware of ego. Ditching pride. Perhaps by irreverence, cheekiness, humour and telling the truth slant. I think this is a huge work in progress for many of us…
???? ???????? ????
By following these six great principles (which are not easy to follow at all times):
“The Six Great Principles are six bright paths. They are also known as six kinds of wisdom, six kinds of demon-quelling pestles, and six kinds of monster-spotting mirrors.
No fighting, no greed, no seeking, no selfishness, no pursuing personal advantage, and no lying: These are the basis for being a person, the foundation for cultivation, and the standard for government.”
“Modeling” is the most powerful teaching tool. Positive interactions (spreading love), helpful mindset(how can I be of service n act on it), accurate thinking (complaining free zones)
As someone coming from the Christian tradition, I can utilize the practice of imitating Paul (an actual encouragement from Paul in His letters! Paul really likes Paul!) by writing letters of gratitude whenever someone shows me kindness, just as Paul wrote a letter of gratitude to the Philippians when they gave Him gifts while He was in prison. It’s a small act, but when done sincerely, it really does show someone that you appreciate them!
Well, actually, my response is self-prescriptive, rather than self-descriptive. I do not currently do this, but I am now setting my intention to send a letter, probably in the form of a thank you card via mail, if possible. It’s a new idea that I have not yet put into practice.
I see. I like the idea. I started sending ecards from here to my parents. I plan on bestowing gifts to some friends to repay much kindness they have shown me in the past. I don't see myself doing this regularly with anyone other than my parents.
I feel that leaving some space between sends allows the cards to be fresh. I am not sure I will keep doing this but I plan on supplying them with Chinese herbs for the rest of their lives for what they have given me. I am sure a deeper spiritual...
I see. I like the idea. I started sending ecards from here to my parents. I plan on bestowing gifts to some friends to repay much kindness they have shown me in the past. I don’t see myself doing this regularly with anyone other than my parents.
I feel that leaving some space between sends allows the cards to be fresh. I am not sure I will keep doing this but I plan on supplying them with Chinese herbs for the rest of their lives for what they have given me. I am sure a deeper spiritual payback is in order to fulfill my debt of filiality owed to them but all will be accomplished in time I suppose.
I don’t usually follow/read replies but I came back to see if you responded as I didn’t select to be notified. I am guilty of not reading replies since I have been using this site but I am gonna stop that. So assuming you are guilty too I won’t hold it against you if you don’t spill any sauce on me here!
My mother taught me to appreciate beauty by never taking it for granted. She exclaimed over flowers, sunsets, spider webs. Even vegetables! She had her faults as we all do, but this was one of her most endearing qualities.
I am reminded that Jesus said to “LET your light shine” not “Shine your light”. Similarly, I cannot teach anyone anything they are not interested in learning. I can, however, allow them to feel my gratitude or at least bear witness to the gratitude of my daily life.
I prefer think of this question as how can people learn from my actions, how to be a grateful person. Simply being who you are and others will observe and learn to be kind. Kindness is generosity’s twin. when people are drawn to something rather than taught something, it will be a deeper connection. What better way to learn? Ask questions yourself.
By holding to my own gratitude practice openly and kindly, but without apology. Sometimes people can think you are nuts for choosing gratitude in the midst of obvious suffering, but that’s just when the opportunity arises. Gratitude is not PollyAnna platitudes and wishful thinking, it is HARD work sometimes! Being real and vulnerable enough to let that be seen in you is a powerful teaching on the power of gratitude.
They might notice that gratitude does not depend on conditions or circumstances because they would see me turning towards gratitude and expressing it in action even if I personally was experiencing difficulty. This is something I am learning to do, not to deny pain and suffering but to choose that it might have something to teach me. Long way to go but this is the way forward for me.
How can I teach someone, by my actions, how to be a grateful person?
Key word here is “Action” and True gratitude ( another name for love ) is emanated from the heart by both sincerity and silently, together, as one action. There are so many vibrational level of consciousness we humans are capable of hearing / feeling / knowing in which silent sincerity is the only true, genuine way of sharing it.
How to be a grateful person?….live in the knowing that “Silence is the language of Go...
How can I teach someone, by my actions, how to be a grateful person?
Key word here is “Action” and True gratitude ( another name for love ) is emanated from the heart by both sincerity and silently, together, as one action. There are so many vibrational level of consciousness we humans are capable of hearing / feeling / knowing in which silent sincerity is the only true, genuine way of sharing it.
How to be a grateful person?….live in the knowing that “Silence is the language of God”…..and there is enormous power and grace in silent action.
It is a habit of New age “spirituality” to think that grateful-ness and Love can be taught. Both are natural and original conditions in every Human being and they have to be lived spontaneously not because a “my teacher told me I had to” conditioning. As Brother David indicate in the day’s quote below, grateful-ness and Love have a built-in, cause and effect, growth nature of their own. Love given spontaneously [aka “Unconditionally”] immediately grows in both giver / receiver. Sufi call this “Accumulative Effect”.
As I express my gratitude, I become more deeply aware of it. And the greater my awareness, the greater my need to express it.
BR. DAVID STEINDL-RAST
And as the Christian mystic Daskalos explains ….”But now again what is love?”….he is reminding that what most modern cultures call “love” really isn’t very loving at all. It is more like a social survival technique ……..quoting this point in detail….
“If I could just make You can just understand how difficult it is to understand what is love! . Because you really make dirty love by giving it names of any language. When I say the word “Libra” “Agape” and so many words for love which should have just one meaning…. in any language… [this habit of naming just] it makes it dirty. So often then [the words for] love comes out of the mouth they’re, just words, in languages flying away! End Quote
So what is life, what is love then?
It is …..The soundless coming-out of the heart. The highest meaning expressed in action and not by words.
So should we not believe people telling us they love us? Of course! But not absolutely1 because they may deceive themselves that they think they love and they shouldn’t offend people. Why should we? There is so much they can understand what is love.
Seek opportunities to express gratitude.. leading by example is always the way, and gratitude will beget gratitude. If nothing else, they will most likely be grateful for your gratefulness. And that’s a start.
Dear friends, if you have a moment please visit the Gratitude Lounge and offer support to slw, who is suffering profound grief and loneliness right now. Thank you.
Children, most especially, can learn to be a more grateful person by the examples we set visually and verbally with our actions as adults. Teaching adults to be a grateful person, especially when the concept of gratitude and being grateful have not been central to their “emotional language” and how they view the world, is a much harder lesson to teach. Frankly, I think that many adults out there probably think that the gratefulness movement in general, if they even give it a thought at all, ...
Children, most especially, can learn to be a more grateful person by the examples we set visually and verbally with our actions as adults. Teaching adults to be a grateful person, especially when the concept of gratitude and being grateful have not been central to their “emotional language” and how they view the world, is a much harder lesson to teach. Frankly, I think that many adults out there probably think that the gratefulness movement in general, if they even give it a thought at all, is little more than a lot of happy talk. Professionally, I learned early on that for many, many people, life is hard and it hurts, and living a life of gratefulness is not very high on their immediate list of needs.
– Kevin
Gratefulness was nonexistent for me growing up. Even though I was spoiled by wealthy parents. They satisfied my material desires but I am afraid that did not aid me growing into a grateful adult. I don’t blame them at all. I am just grateful to have become aware now how important gratitude is and it needs to be developed over time or else more negative qualities will develop on their own.
Greetings, my friend, I appreciate your perspective here very much. As a family, we didn’t have much growing up, though I never felt lacking for anything either. I cannot recall the word “grateful” being used much, but my grandmother, who lived with us, who lived through the US depression back in the 1930’s said frequently, “It could be worse!” That was a rather “back-door” way of getting us to appreciate all the we had at that time. Thanks for your comment.
That is one of life's paradoxes, really, that just when life is hardest and hurts most and gratefulness is not high on our list of needs, it is a very powerful way to work our way through the hurt to a better place and thus, in reality, definitely in the Top 5 need wise. It is amazing how being grateful for what we have helps us through the not having and helps us think creatively about the needs in our lives. That only works when the heart inclines in that direction, though, and that can be rar...
That is one of life’s paradoxes, really, that just when life is hardest and hurts most and gratefulness is not high on our list of needs, it is a very powerful way to work our way through the hurt to a better place and thus, in reality, definitely in the Top 5 need wise. It is amazing how being grateful for what we have helps us through the not having and helps us think creatively about the needs in our lives. That only works when the heart inclines in that direction, though, and that can be rare indeed.
Thank you, Aine. I appreciate your response here. I have to say that I didn’t like very much my own reflection this morning on this question. I sat with it for a spell, then remembered my work over the years. Now and then I was able then, and still do today, to “help lift” negative and self-defeating thinking with some people who were/are ready for moving in a new direction….but far too many were just not there yet. And that’s when I let go and just submitted what I did.
Keep learning, practicing, modelling gratefulness and doing the intentional, ‘heavy lifting’ myself. Learning with/ from and following the lead of Pilgrim and many, many others on the path. Being humble, curious, creative and aware of ego. Ditching pride. Perhaps by irreverence, cheekiness, humour and telling the truth slant. I think this is a huge work in progress for many of us…
???? ???????? ????
By following these six great principles (which are not easy to follow at all times):
“The Six Great Principles are six bright paths. They are also known as six kinds of wisdom, six kinds of demon-quelling pestles, and six kinds of monster-spotting mirrors.
No fighting, no greed, no seeking, no selfishness, no pursuing personal advantage, and no lying: These are the basis for being a person, the foundation for cultivation, and the standard for government.”
“Modeling” is the most powerful teaching tool. Positive interactions (spreading love), helpful mindset(how can I be of service n act on it), accurate thinking (complaining free zones)
Inside out modeling? Hehe.
As someone coming from the Christian tradition, I can utilize the practice of imitating Paul (an actual encouragement from Paul in His letters! Paul really likes Paul!) by writing letters of gratitude whenever someone shows me kindness, just as Paul wrote a letter of gratitude to the Philippians when they gave Him gifts while He was in prison. It’s a small act, but when done sincerely, it really does show someone that you appreciate them!
Intense. Do you actually send the letters or keep them private?
Well, actually, my response is self-prescriptive, rather than self-descriptive. I do not currently do this, but I am now setting my intention to send a letter, probably in the form of a thank you card via mail, if possible. It’s a new idea that I have not yet put into practice.
I see. I like the idea. I started sending ecards from here to my parents. I plan on bestowing gifts to some friends to repay much kindness they have shown me in the past. I don't see myself doing this regularly with anyone other than my parents.
I feel that leaving some space between sends allows the cards to be fresh. I am not sure I will keep doing this but I plan on supplying them with Chinese herbs for the rest of their lives for what they have given me. I am sure a deeper spiritual...
I see. I like the idea. I started sending ecards from here to my parents. I plan on bestowing gifts to some friends to repay much kindness they have shown me in the past. I don’t see myself doing this regularly with anyone other than my parents.
I feel that leaving some space between sends allows the cards to be fresh. I am not sure I will keep doing this but I plan on supplying them with Chinese herbs for the rest of their lives for what they have given me. I am sure a deeper spiritual payback is in order to fulfill my debt of filiality owed to them but all will be accomplished in time I suppose.
I don’t usually follow/read replies but I came back to see if you responded as I didn’t select to be notified. I am guilty of not reading replies since I have been using this site but I am gonna stop that. So assuming you are guilty too I won’t hold it against you if you don’t spill any sauce on me here!
My mother taught me to appreciate beauty by never taking it for granted. She exclaimed over flowers, sunsets, spider webs. Even vegetables! She had her faults as we all do, but this was one of her most endearing qualities.
That’s so wonderful Francine!
Thank you!
Happy Early Halloween Francine! ???? ???? ????
I am reminded that Jesus said to “LET your light shine” not “Shine your light”. Similarly, I cannot teach anyone anything they are not interested in learning. I can, however, allow them to feel my gratitude or at least bear witness to the gratitude of my daily life.
Well said! By both Jesus and You!
Thanks, Trevor!
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By treating everyone with respect, sharing a smile, and to look for the positive in every situation.
I like it. A simple and powerful recipe.
I prefer think of this question as how can people learn from my actions, how to be a grateful person. Simply being who you are and others will observe and learn to be kind. Kindness is generosity’s twin. when people are drawn to something rather than taught something, it will be a deeper connection. What better way to learn? Ask questions yourself.
By holding to my own gratitude practice openly and kindly, but without apology. Sometimes people can think you are nuts for choosing gratitude in the midst of obvious suffering, but that’s just when the opportunity arises. Gratitude is not PollyAnna platitudes and wishful thinking, it is HARD work sometimes! Being real and vulnerable enough to let that be seen in you is a powerful teaching on the power of gratitude.
They might notice that gratitude does not depend on conditions or circumstances because they would see me turning towards gratitude and expressing it in action even if I personally was experiencing difficulty. This is something I am learning to do, not to deny pain and suffering but to choose that it might have something to teach me. Long way to go but this is the way forward for me.
Yes, finding the hidden gifts in our pain without denying or diminishing it and somehow choosing gratitude are definitely the way forward! ????
How can I teach someone, by my actions, how to be a grateful person?
Key word here is “Action” and True gratitude ( another name for love ) is emanated from the heart by both sincerity and silently, together, as one action. There are so many vibrational level of consciousness we humans are capable of hearing / feeling / knowing in which silent sincerity is the only true, genuine way of sharing it.
How to be a grateful person?….live in the knowing that “Silence is the language of Go...
How can I teach someone, by my actions, how to be a grateful person?
Key word here is “Action” and True gratitude ( another name for love ) is emanated from the heart by both sincerity and silently, together, as one action. There are so many vibrational level of consciousness we humans are capable of hearing / feeling / knowing in which silent sincerity is the only true, genuine way of sharing it.
How to be a grateful person?….live in the knowing that “Silence is the language of God”…..and there is enormous power and grace in silent action.
It is a habit of New age “spirituality” to think that grateful-ness and Love can be taught. Both are natural and original conditions in every Human being and they have to be lived spontaneously not because a “my teacher told me I had to” conditioning. As Brother David indicate in the day’s quote below, grateful-ness and Love have a built-in, cause and effect, growth nature of their own. Love given spontaneously [aka “Unconditionally”] immediately grows in both giver / receiver. Sufi call this “Accumulative Effect”.
As I express my gratitude, I become more deeply aware of it. And the greater my awareness, the greater my need to express it.
BR. DAVID STEINDL-RAST
And as the Christian mystic Daskalos explains ….”But now again what is love?”….he is reminding that what most modern cultures call “love” really isn’t very loving at all. It is more like a social survival technique ……..quoting this point in detail….
“If I could just make You can just understand how difficult it is to understand what is love! . Because you really make dirty love by giving it names of any language. When I say the word “Libra” “Agape” and so many words for love which should have just one meaning…. in any language… [this habit of naming just] it makes it dirty. So often then [the words for] love comes out of the mouth they’re, just words, in languages flying away! End Quote
So what is life, what is love then?
It is …..The soundless coming-out of the heart. The highest meaning expressed in action and not by words.
So should we not believe people telling us they love us? Of course! But not absolutely1 because they may deceive themselves that they think they love and they shouldn’t offend people. Why should we? There is so much they can understand what is love.
Seek opportunities to express gratitude.. leading by example is always the way, and gratitude will beget gratitude. If nothing else, they will most likely be grateful for your gratefulness. And that’s a start.
A good start it is! Grate!
Dear friends, if you have a moment please visit the Gratitude Lounge and offer support to slw, who is suffering profound grief and loneliness right now. Thank you.
I’ll try to maintain composure in there. Cannot promise anything.
I love the kindness of your heart, Pilgrim. You bless my life.
Children, most especially, can learn to be a more grateful person by the examples we set visually and verbally with our actions as adults. Teaching adults to be a grateful person, especially when the concept of gratitude and being grateful have not been central to their “emotional language” and how they view the world, is a much harder lesson to teach. Frankly, I think that many adults out there probably think that the gratefulness movement in general, if they even give it a thought at all, ...
Children, most especially, can learn to be a more grateful person by the examples we set visually and verbally with our actions as adults. Teaching adults to be a grateful person, especially when the concept of gratitude and being grateful have not been central to their “emotional language” and how they view the world, is a much harder lesson to teach. Frankly, I think that many adults out there probably think that the gratefulness movement in general, if they even give it a thought at all, is little more than a lot of happy talk. Professionally, I learned early on that for many, many people, life is hard and it hurts, and living a life of gratefulness is not very high on their immediate list of needs.
– Kevin
Gratefulness was nonexistent for me growing up. Even though I was spoiled by wealthy parents. They satisfied my material desires but I am afraid that did not aid me growing into a grateful adult. I don’t blame them at all. I am just grateful to have become aware now how important gratitude is and it needs to be developed over time or else more negative qualities will develop on their own.
Greetings, my friend, I appreciate your perspective here very much. As a family, we didn’t have much growing up, though I never felt lacking for anything either. I cannot recall the word “grateful” being used much, but my grandmother, who lived with us, who lived through the US depression back in the 1930’s said frequently, “It could be worse!” That was a rather “back-door” way of getting us to appreciate all the we had at that time. Thanks for your comment.
That is one of life's paradoxes, really, that just when life is hardest and hurts most and gratefulness is not high on our list of needs, it is a very powerful way to work our way through the hurt to a better place and thus, in reality, definitely in the Top 5 need wise. It is amazing how being grateful for what we have helps us through the not having and helps us think creatively about the needs in our lives. That only works when the heart inclines in that direction, though, and that can be rar...
That is one of life’s paradoxes, really, that just when life is hardest and hurts most and gratefulness is not high on our list of needs, it is a very powerful way to work our way through the hurt to a better place and thus, in reality, definitely in the Top 5 need wise. It is amazing how being grateful for what we have helps us through the not having and helps us think creatively about the needs in our lives. That only works when the heart inclines in that direction, though, and that can be rare indeed.
Thank you, Aine. I appreciate your response here. I have to say that I didn’t like very much my own reflection this morning on this question. I sat with it for a spell, then remembered my work over the years. Now and then I was able then, and still do today, to “help lift” negative and self-defeating thinking with some people who were/are ready for moving in a new direction….but far too many were just not there yet. And that’s when I let go and just submitted what I did.
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