“The vibration of gratitude attracts more positive things into your life.” – Cherie Roe Dirksen
Every morning, I wake up with gratitude. Once I open my eyes to the new morning light, I gently rub my palms together and place them over my eyes. I say, “Om Shanti Om.” I learned this daily ritual from Sadhguru, an Indian yogi and author. Om is a sacred sound of the universe, and Shanti means peace. For me, it is also a ritual of gratitude.
I am so grateful to be alive. It is an honor to have another day to learn and explore. Sadhguru says, “You are the only doorway to the existence for yourself.” Life is a gift, and I am eternally grateful.
Another daily ritual that I do is give thanks for food and water. I remember Dr. Masaru Emoto’s water consciousness experiments, and how intention causes water crystals to change form. Love and gratitude, which both have a high vibration, cause the water crystals to form into spectacular snowflake-like crystals. Water and food give us the energy to live. A simple “thank you” is all that is needed.
When I am at work, I am grateful. I work with hospice patients as a massage therapist. Many of my patients live in nursing homes, and when I walk out of a nursing home, I feel so free. I’m so grateful that I can walk on my two legs and live independently. I know too well that someday I might end up in a nursing home. But for now, I’m so thankful for my body and mind. I take nothing for granted.
I’m so thankful to my patients for all the life lessons they’ve taught me and for showing me their true essence. I have a rare opportunity to see people toward the end of their life. I am so grateful to witness my patient’s beauty, the love in their hearts, and the hope in their eyes. The essence of human beings is so beautiful.
After a long day working with patients, in the evening, as I prepare to go to sleep, I am so grateful for my house, my bed, and my soft pillow. I’m thankful for my husband, my adult children, family members, friends, and beloved pets. I am grateful for my health and well-being during this pandemic. Before I go to sleep, I sometimes chant mantras, pray, or focus on my breathing.
I have gratitude for my daily life. I connect with gratitude by opening my heart to the goodness in life. I am also grateful for the hardships that have brought me to a deeper understanding of who I am. I thank God every day for my life.
“The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
