A Short Daily Gratitude Meditation

The Five Reflections of Gratitude and Appreciation of the Good

We are somehow designed by evolution and the need to survive, to focus on what is missing and on the threats and worries we have. We tend to forget all that we do have, which is so much!

Devoting a few minutes to contemplate the following reflections can change your day and, over time, incline your mind toward more positive thinking.

I attempt to practice this short meditation and appreciation of the good, and it helps me overcome negative thinking and develop gratitude and contentment (Santosha).

You can repeat the following phrases or similar ones daily (or as often as you can):

1. How fortunate I am to have health in a world with so much illness and pain.

2. How fortunate I am to have wealth in a world with so much poverty.

3. How fortunate I am to have so many friends and lovers in a world with so much loneliness.

4. How fortunate I am to have so much freedom in a world that is afflicted by so much oppression and human rights violations.

5. How fortunate I am to have the Yoga path in a world with so much ignorance/confusion.

May I remember my good fortune and impermanence. May I know how to make the most of the wonderful opportunity I have.

You may add a sixth subjective contemplation on something or someone that makes you happy today.

You can read more about it in Rosemary & Steve Weissman’s book: With Compassionate Understanding, A Meditation Retreat.

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2 responses to “A Short Daily Gratitude Meditation”

  1. Priscila Diniz Avatar
    Priscila Diniz

    Thank you for your inspiring message.

    I pray every morning in front of my home made altar, to greet the many fortunes of my life. You nailed very good ones. I also include my gratitude for Nature for being so abundant and tolerant to humans who often abuse and mistreat Nature and its living beings and natural habitats. I thank for the Earth for giving generously food and ground for support, water for teaching me about depth, flexibility, intuition, flexibility and humbleness, fire for making life cosy, warm and bright. For its purifying attributes and transformative powers. And for air for sustaining communication inside and outside my small little world.

    Gratitude is a very special way to keep humble and to value the small important things and steps along the way.

    Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Eyal Shifroni Avatar
      Eyal Shifroni

      Thanks! Well said!
      There are so many things for which we can be gratitude.

      Reply

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