Photo courtesy of JasonRogers Three Truths to Help You Create a Life of Gratitude
Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Chris Guillebeau of The Art of Nonconformity.
On a recent trip to Ohrid, Macedonia, I arrived in the middle of the night after a six-hour bus ride through Albania. It was my first time in Macedonia, so I didn’t know my way around very well. I carried my bags through the small town, finally locating my guesthouse after a half-hour trek.
By that point, it was 3:30 a.m. and I hadn’t slept at all. Since my reservation was for the next day, the guesthouse let me store my bags, but I couldn’t check in until much later that morning. Exhausted and disoriented, I stumbled back outside and walked around some more.
That’s when I discovered the most curious thing. Just a few blocks from my guesthouse, a huge street party was underway. About 75 Macedonians were hanging out, dancing and chatting on the street as if it were 9:00 p.m. In the midst of my exhaustion, I smiled… and felt a deep sense of joy. I was still tired, but at the same time, I felt tremendously grateful for the chance to travel so far from my home.
“I’m in Macedonia,” I said out loud to no one in particular. “It’s four o’clock in the morning, and I’ve arrived at the coolest street party ever.”
As crazy as it was, I was enthralled with the experience of participating in the unexpected nightlife of Ohrid, Macedonia. And even if you haven’t had the experience to travel much, I suspect that you may recognize the feeling I had that night, because many Zen Habits readers share the same commitment to self-improvement and purposeful living.
I believe that a key part of that lifestyle is gratitude, the habit of practicing gratefulness.
Breaking the word down a bit further thanks to the ever-convenient Dictionary.com, gratitude means:
- an appreciative attitude for what one has received
- a warm or deep appreciation of personal kindness
- a disposition to express gratefulness by giving thanks
I like all three of these definitions for different reasons. I think gratitude also relates to a full life spent in awareness of all the good things that surround us.
You see, fellow Zen Habits readers, we are all incredibly rich. If you have access to a computer and are able to read this essay, you’re already doing pretty well compared to half of the world. And by making a commitment to improve our lives, us productivity freaks are also more focused on “getting the right things done” than most of our peers.
More than anything else, I want to avoid ambling through life without a sense of awareness and purpose. To make that happen, I’ve decided that I want gratefulness to be one of my core values. In other words, I want to create a life of gratitude… but what does that mean?
Characteristics of a Grateful Life
A life of gratitude is composed of three parts that combine to make a whole.
1. A sense of purpose in our lives
2. An appreciation for the lives of those around us
3. A willingness to take action to show the gratitude we feel
I don’t claim that this list is complete, but it’s a good starting point. Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments section at the end of this essay.
Gratitude is expressed through big and small things.
Living a balanced life of gratitude requires that our “big rocks” be well established. Most importantly, our family and other close relationships need to be in order. And if we don’t love all aspects of our work, we have to enjoy at least most of them and feel like we are contributing to something greater than ourselves.
Big rocks like these are indeed quite important, but I believe the small things also matter. The way we speak to family members, the habit of picking up after ourselves throughout the day, the choice to recycle instead of throwing everything in the trash can, the willingness to allow other drivers to “cut” into our lane–over time, these small decisions matter a great deal.
Some people say that if we get the big things taken care of, the small things will fall into place. I’m not entirely convinced of that, because I believe gratitude is deeply tied to both the big and the small.
Gratitude is not all about money, but it does include money.
The way we handle our money reflects how we feel about other people and our lives in general. Therefore, an important part of living gratefully usually includes a commitment to regularly help others with our financial resources. If you don’t have a strategy for giving to charity, I recommend you create one by reviewing your finances and a few organizations worthy of greater support. Then, set up automatic donations to those organizations so that you won’t forget about sending in the money.
The process of outwardly showing more gratitude (by investing your money in others’ lives) will create an inward feeling of gratefulness. It’s a win-win relationship.
Gratitude must be regularly cultivated, even when times are hard.
It was cool to hang out in Macedonia in the middle of the night, but the six-hour bus ride to get there wasn’t that great. Gratitude is a balanced response to a life filled with highs and lows. Without the long bus ride, there would be no Macedonia, and that would be sad.
If you spend time every day expressing gratitude in a way that is meaningful to you (more on that in a minute), it will quickly become an integral part of your life. Like any habit, the more we practice it, the more natural it becomes. We must purposefully create a life of gratitude if we want to be fully alive.
We can cultivate gratitude through prayer, meditation, writing, and other expressions of art. We can also cultivate gratitude in the way we interact with others, which is why I am happy to bring you…
The Zen Habits Gratefulness Challenge
Fellow readers of Zen Habits, I’d like to leave you with a challenge today. This is not a theoretical challenge–it’s designed to be quite practical.
Over the next 30 days, I would like to challenge you to create your own life of gratitude in a way that is meaningful to you, and to begin practicing acts of gratefulness more than you have ever done before.
I’ll be doing it along with you, and so will a lot of other readers. It’s always good to be specific, so here are some ideas… but don’t let these limit you.
- Spend three minutes every morning writing down a few things you are grateful for that day
- Devote a full morning or afternoon to composing a more detailed gratefulness list. (One tip: think both about what you are grateful for and also how you can show that gratitude)
- Make it a habit to encourage at least one person every day
- Review your finances to make sure they are in order and aligned with your values
- Plan something fun, like a trip to somewhere you’ve never been
- For one day (or more), say something positive to every person you meet
Lastly, every good challenge has a part two. Are you ready for the part two of this challenge? Here it is:
The second part of the Zen Habits Gratefulness Challenge is for you to pass on the challenge to others.
You don’t need to do this in an organized way–make it your way. Just make it real, because the world will be better for it. Bloggers, you have a loyal audience that pays attention to what you have to say. Tell them what you’re grateful for, and then challenge them as well.
In your work and school environments, you can be an influence for positive change, and one way to start is by spreading the habit of gratitude.
If you’ve enjoyed this guest essay, or even if you haven’t, I’d like to hear from you. Do you accept the gratefulness challenge? What are some other ways to create a life of gratitude? Please post your feedback in the comments below.
Chris Guillebeau is a social entrepreneur who writes at The Art of Nonconformity. From 2002-2006 he worked as an aid worker in West Africa, and over the next five years he will be traveling to every country in the world.
- Spewed into the world on 17 June 2008 in Happiness |
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Brilliant comments (84)
banji - LessonInLife Says:
June 17th, 2008, 2:29 am
There’s an old saying which roughly goes like this - Look to the people above you and be motivated not envy, and look to the people below you and be grateful, not hate.
I’m sure the original words are more beautiful. But that has always been a constant reminder for me to be grateful, however unfortunate I may be.
The most grateful moment in my life is when I was a child. I was very far from home and I lost all my money. (I might have drop them somewhere). And I had to beg the bus driver for some money just to get on the bus. He even bought me breakfast. It’s not a sad story, but whenever I remember the story, I know how it felt like being genuinely grateful.
Count me in on the challenge Chris :)
Shanel Yang Says:
June 17th, 2008, 3:03 am
I’m in, too! I’m grateful that my parents had the courage to come to the U.S. to give us kids the opportunities we never would have had back in Korea. And, now, I love sharing everything I learned along the way that might be of help to others. That’s the best way I know how to show my gratitude for all the people who have helped me in the past — by passing along their goodwill and generosity to others. : )
Stu | Improved Lives Says:
June 17th, 2008, 4:06 am
Hey Chris,
Great guest post! Gratitude really can be a great catalyst for change. From a psychological standpoint, I’ve personally researched and written a lot about how it has been found that gratitude journaling is one of the most beneficial personal growth exercises you can do. It’s amazing how something small like gratitude can be responsible for such dramatic change in one’s life.
And to Leo, the link to Chris’ blog in the guest post intro is broken.
Heidi Says:
June 17th, 2008, 4:50 am
Thank you so much for this post! I am always grateful for the reminders to appreciate all we have right now in this moment! Truly, I needed it!
Besides, I find that by focusing on the things I appreciate, especially during times when I feel a little less amiable, I change the energy around me and I’m back to my original bubbly self!
I’m definitely with you on this challenge. Seems like fun!
Dreamer Says:
June 17th, 2008, 5:44 am
Glad this came up on Stumble.
Really enjoyed reading it and yes, I’m going to try and take up the challenge. :)
Deyan Dyankov Says:
June 17th, 2008, 6:00 am
Hello Chris,
thank you for the specific tips. Unfortunately, I am creating another habit already, so gratitude will have to come next ;-)
Regards,
Deyan Dyankov
Tammy Lenski Says:
June 17th, 2008, 6:02 am
Leo, I realized with a start (and some chagrin about not connecting these before) as I read your post that so many things we call “attitudes” are first new habits that we practice.
I was also musing that for 20 years my husband and I have, every night before going to sleep, shared one gratitude from/about our day. When we first started, right when we met, it was just fun. Then there was a period when it felt contrived. Then it just became normal and part of what makes a day joyous.
Mark Says:
June 17th, 2008, 6:09 am
I’ve heard that Ohrid is a great destination. How was your trip? Would you recommend it to us?
Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:
June 17th, 2008, 6:52 am
“Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realise there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” – Lao Tzu
Emma Says:
June 17th, 2008, 6:57 am
I’m grateful that this blog exists, but sometimes I think the post are a bit too long.
Alexandros Says:
June 17th, 2008, 7:08 am
My comment is not going to be relevant with your philosophy (sorry)… but it’s FYROM (Former Yugoslavic Republic of Macedonica), or Skopje or anything.
Macedonia is more something like this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonia_(Greece) .
Just pointing that out. :)
Eric Says:
June 17th, 2008, 7:10 am
THANK YOU! Much appreciation for sharing your experience and motivating me to not give up in showing gratitude and kindness in a world where such things are viewed as a weakness. wHEN. IN REALITY. THESE ARE THE MOTIVES THAT BENEFIT BOTH THE GIVER AND RECEIVER!!
Susanne Christie Says:
June 17th, 2008, 7:24 am
Hello Chris,
I like your post very much. I think gratefulness is one of the basics for a happy life.
On the website of David Steindl-Rast you can subscribe a quote around gratefulness each day. I enjoy that very much, to read a poitive sentence when I start my work.
http://www.gratefulness.org/word/index.htm
Thank you very much
Susanne
Chris Says:
June 17th, 2008, 7:44 am
What a great article! After reading “Simple Abundance” by Sarah Ban Breathnach, I began doing a nightly gratitude journal (it’s the one thing she says you must do, out of all her great suggestions). For the past decade, I’ve been writing down five things I’m grateful for, just before falling asleep. This one act has gotten me through some very rough crises, and helps me sleep better on my toughest days. It has also helped me see what is really important to me–family, joy, and basic needs being met. Both of my children have kept gratitude journals for short periods of time when they were struggling, and both experienced that profound change of attitude.
Thanks for the wonderful suggestions on extending that gratitude beyond just words–I’m going to work on making mine an “active” gratefulness!
–Chris
Harry Fowlus Says:
June 17th, 2008, 7:46 am
Right on!
We should all be happy for the big things in life, and grateful for the small things too. So many people are perfectly average and adequate, but they take no joy in what they’ve got because they’re always thinking about someone else who’s got more, and always thinking about how they can enlarge and expand what they’ve got.
We should all be glad for what we’ve got, and enjoy it every day. There will always be others who are above average and below average, but whatever we’ve got, we should learn to be grateful we’ve got it, and use it!
Lori Says:
June 17th, 2008, 7:54 am
I like the last bullet - say something positive to everyone you meet. I recently got an email challenging me to not complain or say anything negative for a week. For me this would be contrived; I can hold a world of negativity without actually speaking it. Much better to focus on spreading positive gratitude!
Michael Moniz Says:
June 17th, 2008, 8:21 am
What a great entry! I am reading the book Happier. It gives you a lot of information on gratitude and keeping a journal where you write 5 things each day. Great powerful process for me.
Kenneth King | Destiny Building Says:
June 17th, 2008, 8:47 am
I am grateful for being alive, for having choices, and for the ability to learn and have fun each and every day. To me, gratitude feels best when it doesn’t depend on circumstance, but is a reflection of your appreciation of life itself and all there is to experience.
Jonathan B. Says:
June 17th, 2008, 9:08 am
Being grateful is very important. I learned this even when I was very young. I even wrote a theory that stated unhappiness is caused by a combination of laziness and lack of gratitude.
There will always be someone with more, and someone with less. Happiness is wanting what you have and appreciating it.
Laurie Says:
June 17th, 2008, 9:55 am
My friend and I started a gratitude journal. Once a way we share some things that we wrote in there with each other. It’s a great way to focus on the good in our lives.
Chris Austria Says:
June 17th, 2008, 9:58 am
Gratitude is also having clean water and 3 square meals a day.
If people just give themselves a chance to travel to a “third world country” then they can really appreciate how fortunate they are.
I remember when I was still in high school and I traveled in Asia and I realized how much I disregarded our ‘clean public bathrooms.” I tell you once I got back from my trip, the first thing I did was to go use our bathroom and I stayed there for about 30 minutes appreciating everything in it.
LM Says:
June 17th, 2008, 10:16 am
I try to ask myself what my ancestors from 500 years ago would think of my current living situation (central heating, a comfortable bed with clean sheets, plentiful food from all over the world, clean & sanitary indoor plumbing, etc). Anyone in the US with a decent working class salary and health insurance lives a life that would be greatly envied by even royalty of centuries past, (and by over 90% of people alive today).
@banji– thank you for that saying, I love it: “Look at those above you, and feel motivation not envy; look at those below you and feel gratitude, not disdain.”
AI Says:
June 17th, 2008, 10:34 am
I recently completed reading a book named “My Years in Tibet”. It was about a person who found enlightenment in Tibet.
The first lesson his teacher (a monk more than 150 years) told was to develop the feeling of gratitude and satisfaction in life. That is the beginning to all enlightenment.
I took a cue from the great master and started practising the same. Believe me life changes. I have become the optimist that I always dreamed of becoming.
I love life because its filled with gratitude.
Shilpan | successsoul.com Says:
June 17th, 2008, 10:43 am
Chris -
This article succinctly reveals the traits of nobility. I personally have felt that one of the biggest follies of our life is to not knowingly detach our ego and gratitude certainly is a great mental tool to detach ego. Thanks for the perspective.
emdoozie Says:
June 17th, 2008, 10:51 am
I thank God everyday for what I have, and think about everyone else around the world who are in much worst situations than me. I believe in being grateful for what you have and content to a certain point.
I think that if you had a while to paint a picture of what you wanted your life to be, barring limits, you should strive for that life. Contentment is good, but not to the point where you give up on any dreams, that turns more into complacent.
We are here to live life to the fullest and realize our true potential. I think we owe that to those less fortunate to take advantage of all the opportunities available.
Evelyn Lim | Attraction Mind Map Says:
June 17th, 2008, 11:29 am
I sure do enjoy the perspectives on gratitude here. In general, we complain far too much….myself included…LOL!! I’m up to the 30-day challenge! It will also be nice to be able to inspire others along the way as well!
CF Says:
June 17th, 2008, 11:41 am
Being grateful has done wonders for me. I hit the wall a few years ago and tried many things to shake myself out of it, but the one thing that had the most impact was reviewing in my mind each night at least three things that I was grateful for that day. I can’t even begin to tell you how much this little habit has done, and how it spread to my actions and well-being throughout each day. Try it, you’ll be very happy you did.
Chris Guillebeau Says:
June 17th, 2008, 11:41 am
Hey guys, thanks so much for all the comments and kind words about the post! I appreciate that. I knew I would find an good home for an article on gratitude here. :)
Marelisa Says:
June 17th, 2008, 11:42 am
Hi Chris: I’m a big believer in the power of gratitude. By being grateful on a consistent basis you’re instructing your mind to focus on what’s good in your life, and as we all know, what you focus on expands. 75 Macedonians having a street party at 4:00 a.m., that sounds great!
Brad Says:
June 17th, 2008, 12:02 pm
I accept the challenge and hope everyone reading this does the same. It also sort of reminds me of “paying it forward”. Except better! Everyone can benefit from encouraging people in your life and being grateful for what you have. If the whole world took to heart just half of this blog post Chris, I think we would be a much better place.
Juanita Says:
June 17th, 2008, 12:03 pm
I read The Secret and started by beginning and ending my day with the things I was thankful for. People, family, friends, health, car, house, job, etc. It’s really a wonderful thing because it reminds me that I am truly blessed just to be here right now doing what I’m doing. It’s a great reminder. And I believe it has changed me on some base level. It feels pretty great.
Vered Says:
June 17th, 2008, 12:10 pm
I like this challenge. I am already in the habit of doing parts of it - every night, when I kiss my sleeping kids’ foreheads, I take a few moments to be grateful; I take lots of fun trips and my finances are in order. However, saying something encouraging or positive to others IS going to be challenging. I tend to whine a lot to my friends! This is going to be interesting - thank you.
Ralph Says:
June 17th, 2008, 13:38 pm
love this post, the feeling and expression of gratitude is the only TRUE WEALTH there is, which, of course, has nothing at all to do with financial wealth, some of the wealthiest people on earth have NOTHING …
Peace,
Ralph
BeyondtheMind.org
Kim Woodbridge Says:
June 17th, 2008, 13:39 pm
Thanks for the article Chris. It is so easy to focus on what we don’t have rather than being grateful for what we do have.
think Says:
June 17th, 2008, 15:27 pm
Gratitude like any other aspect is a habit one develops with time. Nice post Chris for providing the definitive steps to develop this habit.
thinkneat.blogspot.com
Simon Hill Says:
June 17th, 2008, 15:59 pm
“A willingness to take action to show the gratitude we feel” - I like it! I’ll also make a start by saying thanks Chris for the thought provoking post.
Simon
Heather Says:
June 17th, 2008, 17:46 pm
I attended a workshop on emotional intelligence today and we discussed gratitude as one therapeutic life change (TLC) that increases positive emotions. One strategy is to show gratitude by thanking a mentor. To do this you could write a letter to someone who has helped you along in your life and then send it to them- or better still laminate the letter and then take it to them and read it out loud to them. Then give them the letter.
I’m in for the gratitude challenge and I’m committed to thanking one or more of my mentors in the next 30 days.
Jimmy Says:
June 17th, 2008, 18:02 pm
As my dad says all the time - “Develop an attitude of gratitude!”
Big Harry Fowlus Says:
June 17th, 2008, 18:22 pm
Big Harry’s down for a little fun!
I’m going to work my way into the idea gently, and when the time is right I’ll sink fully into the attitude, working it deeply until I finally can’t stand it anymore and explode in a flow of gratitude.
I’m getting excited just thinking about it!
Liara Covert Says:
June 17th, 2008, 18:51 pm
The idea of choosing to be grateful doesn’t have to be perceived as a challenge. As people evolve to realize gratitude comes naturally, they will be less apt to reject or resist their core feelings. Savor every moment, no matter where you are. Its always the best possible thing that could happen to you at that precise moment. Decide why.
Cheryl Says:
June 17th, 2008, 18:56 pm
Great post, Chris. And just what I needed to hear today. I’ve been in a funk lately and this was just the kick in the pants I needed to get my head screwed back on straight. I fully accept the challenge!
Mary@GoodlifeZen Says:
June 17th, 2008, 19:21 pm
This is a lovely post and I gladly embrace the gratitude challenge.
My sense is that our sense of gratitude is heightened not only by thinking about what we are grateful for, but by simple acts of kindness. When we ourselves are kind to someone, our heart opens - and then it’s easier to feel gratitude for the way others have been kind to us.
Larry Duboff Says:
June 17th, 2008, 21:03 pm
It’s also important to have an attitude of gratitude when things don’t go our way. It’s a good idea to appreciate life’s little detours. Like it or not, we will be knocked off course occasionally. Most often this is a blessing in disguise. Each time we have to pick ourself up to get back on track, we learn important lessons and develop new skills.
Jenny Says:
June 17th, 2008, 22:16 pm
Thank you for your article. It is awesome that you were able to look at your situation in Macedonia and feel the way you did (especially after being exhausted from your trip). We have so many blessings in life and it is unfortunately so easy to take the simplest things for granted. We all have this one life, this very second we are living and breathing and not knowing when our last breath on earth will be gone, it is so beautiful to bring to awareness the perspective you have brought to mind. Thank you for the ideas. I am grateful for you!
RS Investor Says:
June 17th, 2008, 22:28 pm
I am a long time reader, first time poster. I want to start by saying your blog is great, and a real source of inspiration. I took your challenge and brought it to my readers as a challenge to spread some gratitude around in game. Here is my post: http://rsinvestor.blogspot.com/2008/06/life-of-gratitude.html
I hope you don’t mind that I paraphrased a bit of your writing to make it more applicable to gaming.
anon Says:
June 17th, 2008, 22:29 pm
I really like this message and challenge.
I must confess, though - and this is totally not in line with the spirit of the post at all, but I just can’t help it - that the example of “gratitude despite hardship” makes me kind of want to cry with jealousy! I’m trying really hard to stay positive these days despite working 4:30am-7:30pm 6 days a week at a high-stress job (ie, mess up and people die) while trying to support two very close family members with serious, incurable medical conditions. I know I need to find joy in my life despite all of this, both for my own mental health and in order to be an effective support for my family, but it’s… hard. Harder than anything I’ve ever tried to do.
And the image of getting to focus on being grateful for being on a world trip and stumbling across a party… oh, how I’d love to escape and focus for a full day on the here and now and the good things around me without the constant worry and fear about my loved ones who are in such trouble, and all that I need and want to do for them!
Ryan McLean Says:
June 18th, 2008, 3:44 am
I love how you advised us to review our finances and make sure they are in order, I write a lot about finances on my blog and this is really important.
Great advice Leo
Ulla Says:
June 18th, 2008, 4:19 am
Thanks for your post, Chris! At the moment I am especially thankful for living in a time when it is possible to overcome timezones and continents in order to communicate with people all over the world. You wrote about your experiences in Ohrid, and me, a German woman from Berlin, could read it and reflect on your thoughts about gratitude. We are really citizens of one world, are we?
moxie Says:
June 18th, 2008, 5:47 am
Every country in the world, huh? Kick ass. I’m going to try your challenge. Hopefully it can help turn my continuous bad mood around.
Jeff@My Super-Charged Life Says:
June 18th, 2008, 10:01 am
Chris this is a great post! I agree that we have to cultivate gratefulness even during the hard times. I recently wrote a post about the things many of us have to be grateful for. You might check it out when you get a chance.
the foreigner Says:
June 18th, 2008, 16:11 pm
I’m very grateful that you wrote this post, Chris. I think gratefulness is one of the keys to true happiness in life. I’ll certainly make an effort to follow your suggestions.
Oh, and make sure you keep writing, because you’re really good at it =)
symbologie Says:
June 18th, 2008, 16:25 pm
Fantastic article, Chris. Count me in.
Lauren H. Says:
June 18th, 2008, 17:00 pm
I love this post; dare I say, I’m grateful for it. : )
I’ve had several days in the past that have been composed of saying at least one positive thing to everyone with whom I spoke. It was a fun experience, and it did contribute to my goal; I’d heard many times that being positive towards others creates a positive air around yourself. True.
After reading this post, I’ve decided I’ll write three things for which I am grateful that day, every morning. That concept follows one thing I’ve wanted to accomplish for quite some time; that is, simply stating my gratitude daily. This method is very doable, and no doubt eyeopening.
Thank you for the post.
Godssecret Says:
June 19th, 2008, 13:35 pm
I am thankful for everything
The first thing is you need to know, recognize and see is that you are not alone, ever. If one does not believe and know that the Divine manifests in his your life and its providence. How can he have faith in the fact that the Divine is involved in all that happens everywhere. Every day we encounter signs that point to an active Presence of Spirit. Everything that happens inside and outside of us is brimming with spiritual meaning, points of connection with Spirit. You need to find holiness in everyday life. By this also one may experience the mystical moment. One may see it or hear it, grasp it. Yet it has no form and is unseen and unheard being elusive and evasive. the Divine presents itself as the undefinable oneness. A glimpse of the Divine is every where. Seeing the patterns emerging in life awakens us. There is meaning in what happens to us in nature and the cosmos. In those things others see only as chance or strange coincidence. . Although they have a subtle yet undeniable and uncanny quality. Here the Divine reveals himself and then at once is concealed.Unfortunately most people don’t have a clue what’s going on. The Divine is always trying to make contact but they can’t perceive this. The whole universe is there to support our spiritual awareness. The universe is saturated with purpose and meaning. Our universe is directed by a powerful, creative intelligence, and an ordering principle of truly astonishing power, complexity, and beauty. The Divine can be observed in the constant regularity of the universe. We can see this wonder when looking at modern science concerning the wondrous exacting complexity at the atomic and cellular level. To the wonders of the movements of the stars planets and constellations. In these things also is evidence of the subtle truth of the Divine in Creation, of God. One of the great expressions of the Divine is the natural flow of energy transformation in the universe. You need to realize the constancy and patterns occurring in your own life, as found in the deep nature of the universe. Awareness of this leads to recognition of one’s own immutable spiritual nature. the Divine is behind all phenomena. Everything in the universe is directed by his “laws of nature”. Just as our own breath.Violation of this law leads to disaster. Try stop breathing for a while. Adherence to the law is blessing, by it we remain in harmony with the Divine and his universe. The highway to elevated consciousness exists in recognizing the sacred in everyday life. It is a process of continually practicing self-awareness, paying greater attention to the contents of everyday experiences: sensations, thoughts and feelings. The awareness of our inner and outer lives. The human psyche and the cosmic psyche (soul) are entwined and expressed through patterns that are neither imagined nor directed by us, but rather guided by the mysterious force some call God. With this awareness comes freedom and responsibility. Know that the whole activity of nature is to make one aware of their soul, and its Divine nature. The goal is to manifest this divinity within. This can be done by work (as acts of kindness and other spiritual actions), developing spiritual powers such as the ability to pray, and by learning reading Divine knowledge. One continuously forms destiny. Each stage of life is the root of the next.
Read more at godssecret.wordpress.com
Amy Guth Says:
June 19th, 2008, 14:14 pm
I find it endlessly fascinating how Zen Habits continually posts things on my mind anyway. I find it so assuring to have a seed of thought for a few days, then stop by only to see my thoughts in such a solid and organized form. Thank you for this wonderful post.
I accept the challenge, in a very big way.
Juile N Says:
June 19th, 2008, 15:48 pm
Chris - Thank you so much for this post. It’s so easy to get caught up in the rat race that I forget to take time to appreciate and express my gratitude for all my blessings.
Stacy Says:
June 19th, 2008, 17:54 pm
I found this blog totally by accident — but the site and especially this post are so apt to what I’m going through right now.
Thank you!
Last summer, I began a gratitude journal. Every night before bed, I wrote down five things I was grateful for. My four-year-old son would often join in. Last fall, I started writing online and just recently developed an Attitude of Gratitude gathering, where folks can share their gratitude every Wednesday.
However you choose practice, may you and all beings feel blessed by what is.
Evi Says:
June 19th, 2008, 19:27 pm
Hi Chris,
This post was just the motivator I needed to remind me of how grateful I should always be. I really liked the one idea someone had about telling her husband everyday one thing they’re grateful for…I’ll have to adopt that one! It’s amazing to see how you can truly affect someone positively by saying something nice to them, it can turn their doom and gloom to inspiration. And yes, I will take your 30 day challenge:-)
Paul Says:
June 20th, 2008, 7:24 am
hi there Chris,
a street party was certainly fantastic introduction to your holiday and I”m SURE you felt gratitude for the distraction and fun it offered. However, I think just about ANYONE - you wouldn’t need to be a Zen Habits reader - would have felt gratitude for stumbling upon a jolly street party at 3.30 am when they couldn’t get into their hotel! A wonderful distraction and a perfect way to bridge those desolate hours until it opened.
I arrived at 3 am in a town once. Everything was closed and I had to sit on the streets until the early hours when I could get a bus for my onward trip. I couldn’t sleep as it was freezing and wet. I sat in silence for ages.
A piece of paper skipped and danced passed me. And, as I sat there, a fox came trotting noiselessly across the street. Soon I watched a plastic bag carried on a breeze twirl and loop until it disappeared under a parked car. A street lamp flickered on and off a little way down the road. A cold wind pushed the night clouds eastwards. It drizzled for a while and everything was reflected, shimmering, upside down, in the pavements. For a while there was nothing. Just the wind. Somewhere out there I heard a police car speeding through the streets, until its siren faded into the night. A little later a blackbird started to sing, and at some point the sky started to turn from black to a grey blue. Soon some street cleaners drove slowly by in a whirring van that scooped up the rubbish from the night before.
This was Glasgow. I’d landed at Prestwick airport and I was waiting for my bus home to Edinburgh. I was whacked, and I had to work 3 hours later. But I felt happy and had a deep sense of connection to myself and all that I had just witnessed. I get these feelings most of the time, as all this (and a myriad more!) is going on around us every moment.
Just noticing what I do makes me feel very alive - and the knowledge that all my senses are intact, enabling me to notice all of this, is what I feel endless gratitude for.
Nathan Says:
June 20th, 2008, 18:12 pm
Great message Chris.
This is a topic I try to remind myself of often, but it is easy to get caught in the ebb and flow of life and find yourself complaining about things that you should appreciate. Thanks for reminding me :)
Chris Guillebeau Says:
June 20th, 2008, 19:18 pm
I am still amazed at all of you guys. Thanks for such awesome feedback! It probably sounds trite to say that I’m grateful for it, but it’s true.
When Leo gets back from his honeymoon to Thailand, maybe I can convince him to let me do a follow-up.
And by the way, my manifesto (”A Brief Guide to World Domination”) is coming out on Tuesday morning. It features Leo’s story, along with my own story and several others, and aims to help all independent minded people learn to take over the world for themselves while helping others at the same time.
You can get a free copy at my site beginning on Tuesday morning.
Psiplex Says:
June 23rd, 2008, 6:43 am
Giving and a giving spirit always brings return. Appreciating the abundance in your life opens up new doors. I really appreciate your article and look forward to more great insights. Can’t wait to read the Manifesto!
Salma Says:
June 23rd, 2008, 13:38 pm
I’ve been meaning to start a gratitude journal for a long time and your post has inspired me to do so. I get word of the day e-mails every morning and I have started making ‘gratitude sentences’ somehow incorporating the word of the day. Its a fun way to learn to be more grateful and expand my vocabulary!
Zula Da Rulla Says:
June 23rd, 2008, 18:24 pm
I thank you for the reminder to be grateful. I have a great many things to give my gratitude to. I am grateful for the ability to walk, being born with one foot, I have to wear a prosthetic brace. Some people look at me and say it’s sad, but I look at it as a gift! I can walk! When I say this or even think about it, it is only in VICTORY not defeat or disability. Despite my physical appearance I am whole in every sense of the word. I have the power to help others push past their limitations, just by setting the example. By living a very full life and taking the world along for the ride.
I begin (Day One) by saying, I accept your awesome challenge! I am grateful for the lesson shared! Thank you a million times over!
jimmy springett Says:
June 23rd, 2008, 19:51 pm
Hi Chris,
This is just about the best challenge anyone can assign oneself. I am a retired, and am now a watercolor artist, the beauty of having the time to create beauty is when I feel someone who has been very thoughtful and they might enjoy a work of art, without them knowing what I am doing I have them in mind doing a piece to bring them some joy and something to think about, this one act of kindness goes a long way-in fact what happens is the receiver of my art gifts turns out they give their form of gifts to others in return the cycle continues endlessly, kindness and gratitude go hand in hand–best to everyone and may gratitude and kindness prevail–Jimmy, a watercolor artist
Trudy Nicholson Says:
June 24th, 2008, 2:19 am
You can count me in too. What a great idea. I loved your article and look forward to further works. My works are in the artist world and also counselling. Both require and openess and awareness and ability to look outside onself. The Zen way of looking at things, along with Christian spirituality requires this too. Allowing Space ,Time , Quiet and Healing in our lives.Gratitude allows us to do this without guilt perhaps.! Just a few thoughts. Trudy
Janice C. Cartier Says:
June 24th, 2008, 11:04 am
I know that moment of discovery you found at 4 am in a strange place with an unexpected pleasure. It plays with the concept of time and geography, tweaks our perceptions. Letting go of a familiar shore provides opportunity to engage our senses, to re-value, and be grateful, yes.
Looking forward to your manifesto later today.
Ron Grauer Says:
July 1st, 2008, 20:32 pm
Chris, I spent a lot of my youth very intrugued by eastern philosophies. From the Chinese,Japanese and Indian teachers, all of whom could have gone to the same school of life; by their mode of presenting how we should or could use our time here in the most pleasant and purposeful way.
Nothing has changed my appreciation of such teaching except my wife, a devout Christian, who could be disturbed if I were to make constant comparisons of one kind of thinking versus another. Not that I disagree with any of Christ’s teaching…it is equally as valid and beautiful as Bhudda, Lao Tse or Mohammed…it is only out of my desire to avoid a possibly painful cultural conflict with my beloved wife.
My mind is capable of attempting to understand all the messages of peace and benificence thru all the presentations on gratitude and the quiet inner soul of Zen.
An issue arose at a Christian party one evening where all around the table were asked to give a short prayer.
Following several very intense and sincere and very typically Christian prayers with lots of thee’s and thou’s my time came around which was followed by a rather obvious silence…waiting for more…” Dear God, I said thank you for all the beauty in the world that allows me be an artist and try to show my appreciatio of your gifts. Good night”.
. I’ll work harder at it but I’m already steeped in it. Thank you. Ron Grauer
Mich Says:
July 22nd, 2008, 11:12 am
I am very new to this web page. 1st timer. I have a long way to go but the blogs were very inspiring. I have a bumper sticker on my car, “The Best Things In Life Are Not Things.” I love it. I feel I have lost my way with the gratitude and appreciation factor, though. I will tune in to this blog / web page. Thanks!
Matthew Says:
August 14th, 2008, 15:06 pm
I love seeing how many people are embracing an attitude of gratitude. Doing the “Gratitude Dance” that myself and a friend created, ended up getting us dubbed the Gratidudes and has allowed our lives to spill over with joy.
It is the key to peace in our world and so much more joy for everyone in the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9z2ELaBVJY
Come and dance with us! We have visions of millions doing this around the world at the same time.
Glenda Says:
December 6th, 2008, 11:51 am
Hi Chris - I stumbled upon your site by accident, but as I’ve learned long ago, there are no ‘accidents’ - everything happens for a reason.
I am a true believer in ‘gratitude’. On the really good days its easy to be grateful but the real test for graditude comes on the really bad days.
There will always be people that has more than me but there are also many more than has less.
I am grateful for every day of my life and for all the wonderful people that have crossed my path.
If every person stopped and thought about the great things in their life there would be a lot less stess.
Gratitude - pass it on!!
jimmy springett Says:
December 6th, 2008, 23:33 pm
Hi Chris,
Our son’s name is Chris, like your name, and I’m very grateful for sons, we have two sons.
Now that I’m retired and doing art, I am a painter, I realize so many things about God’s wildlife that I had never taken the time to see before–now that I paint animals I’m learning to begin to see the majesty in all his creation. My paintings are not photo realistic but more expressions of this beauty.
Thanks for keeping me on your copy list and today’s comments are very good-when I have questionable times I read Psalms, and David’s praise to the Lord, his trust in what sometimes can not be seen, every time that picks me up and this is good reading. Even in those days things were challenging. Have a great day!!Jimmy
J Brunhoff Says:
December 16th, 2008, 13:58 pm
THANK YOU! It is so easy and so fun!
Try doing this in the morning instead of the evening. It will set your whole day from the moment you wake up. If you like to do it before you go to sleep than continue! But, if you really want to see a difference, the first thing you do in the morning after you open your eyes is be grateful! Don’t even get out of bed before you are grateful! Really try and put feeling forward rather than just the words! :D
Thanks for all the wonderful posts and comments, I enjoyed reading them all! I would love to read more about your other travels, Chris.
Daisy Says:
April 13th, 2009, 20:17 pm
I am happy to stay grateful the rest of my life and never forget how lucky we are.
Thanks so much.
Arthur Says:
April 15th, 2009, 22:09 pm
Inspiring words. Life, when you feel like you’re already part of the world, when you know you’re a part of the lives of others really is so much more simple than we make it, when we’re struggling to reach a top we don’t even know exists or not.
Maura Says:
April 17th, 2009, 10:50 am
This message came to me at just the right time. I’ve been on this path of ‘waking up’ and really being more aware of life itself - more aware and more grateful. Then last night I read a book which talked about bringing compassion or love into more and more moments of the day along with that awareness and I committed to doing that.
Then I came to this site today (via Seth Godin - whose blog is also GREAT) and it just reinforces that NOW IS THE TIME TO START. This is a wonderful blog. Keep writing. The more of us that live this way and practice this - the better the world will be!
Deb Says:
April 18th, 2009, 1:16 am
Hi Chris
Great idea. A very grounding exercise. I have a book I write in for everything I am grateful for. I do it in the mornings and it sets my day up (as above).
Love reading your essays -please keep it up
Thanks :-)
Steve Says:
April 18th, 2009, 13:10 pm
I accept the challenge. I was just thinking this morning while I sipped coffee out on the deck, how grateful I am for the people and things I have in my life, and that I want to pay that back by helping others. It is no coincidence that after having those thoughts, I found your website through a Seth Godin post, and then found this.
Thank you Chris.
Anli Says:
April 18th, 2009, 17:36 pm
Thank you! It’s just GREAT! It reminds me of what my mama has always been telling me.
Even an adversity is a blessing, what else can trouble us.
Never take anything for granted but always appreciate everything we have.
“Don’t it always seem to go, but you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” Love the line from Big Yellow Taxi!
Katlego Says:
April 27th, 2009, 6:06 am
Thank you!!
Yes Im up for the challenge for practising gratitude.
When we actually stop, pause and look around and witness all the beauty and life we have around us its just so incredible and amazing!!
We are living heaven on earth truly.
My Love
Katlego
Aye Says:
May 3rd, 2009, 8:59 am
Chris,
I found you first via Twitter, then your website then this article. How fortunate am I? Am I glad I did and am full of gratitude for using twitter again. I have stumbled upon so many wonderful people living their dreams, practicing the art of non conformity I am very much looking forward to learning from your website. For that I am grateful!
aye
@bhagnow
Camille Says:
June 1st, 2009, 12:22 pm
Thank you
free divorce papers Says:
June 7th, 2009, 7:24 am
We should always be grateful with what life gives us.
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