We are living in what appears to be very scary times and the result is that more people are experiencing feelings of distress and worry. Whether or not you watch the news, you would have to be living under a rock to not be aware of the fact that our world appears to be in a broken, volatile and unbalanced state. How do you turn this distress into wild gratitude?
No one wants to be controlled and yet fear is a very effective way to control people and keep you stressed out, helpless and hopeless.
You might ask “how can I possibly be happy when (you fill in the blank) is happening?” I know (first hand) it’s tough when bad things happen whether it’s on avery personal level or globally. Let’s be clear, it is quite normal to go through a grieving process, if that is the case.
Beyond that, consider this: “How many hours of worry, fretting or stress does it take to change a situation?” The answer of course is zero.
We have within us the power to change our thoughts and thus how we feel and how we perceive our world. We know this and yet our troubled thoughts hold us hostage.
There are as many ways to deal with stress and worry and ways to raise yourhappiness level as there are cures for the common cold. But one concept, one virtue — so appropriate for this time of year — which seems to outshine them all — is Gratitude. It is one of the most powerful and important steps in my Living Miraculously program and a step that I like to call “Wild Gratitude.”
What is Wild Gratitude?
Wild Gratitude is unrestrained, uninhibited deep reverence for the things in our life that we so often take for granted. It is much more than appreciation. Look around you at the natural miracles that abound in your life: The bright blue sky, the luminous stars, the flourishing plants, the sturdy trees, the vast ocean and breathtaking mountains. You think this is just another day in your life? It’s not. It is a gift that is given to you and it deserves the reference of gratitude. Respond to the uniqueness of this day as if it is the first…or last day of your life. And know this day will never come again.
Wild Gratitude urges you to open your heart, sending love to the people in your life that you treasure — and those you have never met. Wild Gratitude urges you to bring joy into your life and to be grateful for all things, all the time. What does that look like, “be grateful for all things, all the time?”
“You’re grateful your friend didn’t die… if they do die you’re grateful that you knew them. You’re grateful for what has happened…. And you’re grateful for what hasn’t happened.”
Wild Gratitude makes you more joyful, less stressed, less self-centered and more optimistic. It improves your immune system and your creativity, you sleep better and you make better decisions.
How to practice Wild Gratitude
• Get out pen and paper. List everything that’s happening in your life now and all the people that you have a connection to on one side of the paper. On the other side write at least one thing that you are grateful for (even any challenges) as a result of this experience or person. Yes, you can start with the easy ones. But, you gotta do the tough ones too! (They’re the most enlightening!) Keep at it, even if it takes days and you’ll figure out how to “flip the switch” on your challenges.
• Be more aware of your surroundings and the priceless gift of each day.
• Meet the eyes of all people you come in contact with and send them rays of love and healing.
If you make Wild Gratitude a practice it will change your life, I promise! Wishing you a beautiful and grateful Thanksgiving. Live Miraculously!
With Wild Gratitude,
Michele
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