Gratitude And Joy

Isn't it strange? We have all experienced gratefulness. We know how increasingly good it feels. Certainly it ought to be a simpler way to happiness than running about trying to make the external world suit a checklist?

I could write a whole lengthy article on this. But do I really ought to?

I would presume the majority of of you have been living grateful and hence wonderful lives all along.

But just in case …

There is a story told of a Tibetan monk on a flight. When the food was served, the other passengers right away set out to the job of eating it, as you may expect. Probably some of them genuinely loved it, but for most it was maybe just a short bland-flavoured recess from boredom and hunger.

The monk did something unique. Remembering that this food came from farms, he took a few moments to silently express gratitude to the unknown farmers. He also thanked the earth for supporting the plants and animals in the meal. And the sun and the rain, for helping them to grow. And obviously the plants and animals themselves, for making themselves obtainable.

Then, remembering that the food needed to be transported from the farm to where the food was to be prepared, he thanked the nameless driver of the truck. And the staff who had created the truck in the factory, the marine geologists and engineers who had drawn up the plans to drill for the oil that fuelled the truck, and the trees that had lived and died and now become the oil.

And, personally, those who had supported each link in the chain: the parents, wives and husbands of the so many different people, the teachers and instructors who had provided them the competence required, perhaps even the winds that had blown the rain-clouds above the farm.

The monk was very thorough in giving thanks to all those who had worked to give him the opportunity he saw in front of him in his life.

In due course the plane began its descent, and the tray was removed. The monk had not yet had time to touch his food, but by the routine of thankfulness he had enjoyed his meal to a great extent, and felt completely nourished.

Where in your life can you learn to really get pleasure from something as simple as an airline food? Or as vital as a parent, your job, or the home you reside in?

What would you most like to feel more gratitude for?

When will you start?

An exercise: Pen down the name of a person you feel thankful for. It can be a parent, a friend, a teacher, a fan, a person who assisted you out once when you truly needed it. Jot down a pair of sentences about why your life is good today because of what that person has done for you. Now write that person a letter or email of thanks. And if you wish to, you can send that letter or email. Note how you feel at each stage, recalling, writing your gratitude, and, if you decided to go for the (perhaps scary?) star prize, dropping the letter in the post box or pressing "Send"

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