One single gift acknowledged in gratefulness has the power to dissolve the ties of our alienation.
David Steindl-RastRead
Gratefulness makes us aware of the gift and makes us happy. As long_x000D_ _x000D_ as we take things for granted they don't make us happy. Gratefulness is_x000D_ _x000D_ the key to happiness. Practicing gratitude is so central to my spirituality.
Interpretation
Gratitude brings awareness and happiness, while taking things for granted leads to unhappiness.
This quote emphasizes the importance of gratitude in achieving true happiness. It suggests that recognizing and appreciating the gifts in our lives is essential for our spiritual well-being and overall contentment, while neglecting this awareness results in a lack of fulfillment and joy.
In practice
During a speech on wellness, you might share this quote to highlight the importance of gratitude.
One single gift acknowledged in gratefulness has the power to dissolve the ties of our alienation.
There is no closer bond than the one that gratefulness celebrates, the bond between giver and thanksgiver. Everything is a gift. Grateful living is a celebration of the universal give-and-take of life, a limitless yes to belonging. Can our world survive without gratefulness? Whatever the answer, one thing is certain: to say an unconditional yes to the mutual belonging of all beings will make this a more joyful world. This is the reason why Yes is my favorite synonym for God.
As I express my gratitude, I become more deeply aware of it. And the greater my awareness, the greater my need to express it. What happens here is a spiraling ascent, a process of growth in ever expanding circles around a steady center.
Joy is that kind of happiness that does not depend on what happens.
By looking up, by raising our eyes above our limited horizon, we are more likely to perceive the blessings hidden in affliction.
Any place is sacred ground, for it can become a place of encounter with the divine Presence.
I have been luckier than anyone I know or even heard of. I had a very happy childhood, a good education, I enjoyed working as a teacher, journalist and author. I have loved a wonderful man for over 33 years, and I believe he loves me, too.
I wake up some mornings and sit and have my coffee and look out at my beautiful garden, and I go, 'Remember how good this is. Because you can lose it.'
If I let myself sink into depression, I won't be able to get out. And then I'll be awfully unhappy. I just have to turn my face to the light and walk on. And trust that things will be all right.
Happiness is threatening and misery is safe - safe for the ego. Ego can exist only in misery and through misery. Ego is an island surrounded by hell; happiness is threatening to the ego, to the very existence of the ego. Happiness rises like a sun and the ego disappears, evaporates like a dewdrop on the grass leaf.
Don't drink to get drunk. Drink to enjoy life.
Let a joy keep you. Reach out your hands and take it when it runs by.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.