On awakening, bless the day, for it is already full of unseen good which your blessings will call forth, for to bless is to acknowledge the unlimited good that is embedded in the texture of the universe and awaiting each and all.
Pierre Pradervand
“Be blessed. I’m blessed. Bless you. Count your blessings. God bless you. Say your blessing before a meal” are common phrases you've likely heard. I grew up believing that to be blessed, I had to be a devout Christian who regularly attended church and lived by the Ten Commandments. Any deviation meant I wasn’t worthy of God’s blessings. Those beliefs caused me much pain and suffering, but gratitude taught me better.
A few years back, I came across a "thought-provoking" book, The Gentle Art of Blessing by Pierre Pradervand, Not only did the book shed light on the spiritual aspect of blessings, but it also helped me recognize the connection between gratitude and blessings. It reminded me of the “chicken and egg” question: which comes first?
On one hand, gratitude can be thought of as the initial step towards recognizing and acknowledging blessings. At its core, gratitude is consciously appreciating the good things in life, big and small. An attitude of gratitude makes it easier to perceive blessings and embrace a more optimistic outlook. Therefore, I thought, gratitude precedes blessings as it serves as a gateway to recognizing abundance.
But on the other hand, blessings can be viewed as the foundation for gratitude, particularly if you believe that blessings come from a higher power, fate, or simply being fortunate. And when we acknowledge our blessings, gratitude is our natural response. Blessings can be felt and enjoyed by individuals with diverse beliefs, backgrounds, and perspectives.
So here is what I decided: gratitude opens the door for blessings, and blessings amplify gratitude. The two work in a continuous cycle, reinforcing each other with a never-ending cycle of positivity and abundance. The more we express gratitude, the more blessings we receive, and the more blessings we receive, the more gratitude we feel. They are two sides of the same coin that constantly influence and enhance each other in powerful ways that lead to a more joyful and peaceful life.
Not only do I count my blessings, but I’ve learned how to gently bless others. I don’t watch the news on TV; I just cannot allow it to rob me of my joy. So when I read of suffering and ill will, gratitude has taught me to quietly bless those who are suffering, those who cause it, and the circumstances beyond my control. I think Pierre says it best, “to bless all without distinction is the ultimate form of giving, because those you bless will never know from whence came the sudden ray that burst through the clouds of their skies, and you will rarely be a witness to the sunlight in their lives.”
Stay tuned for my next post: Gratitude and Creativity!
Learning to live grateful is as easy as learning your ABCs; you do it one small change at a time! I’d love to hear your thoughts on Gratitude and Blessings.” Email me at smallchange@myrtlerussell.com. Learn more about the small change toolkit at www.myrtlerussell.com
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