"Gratitude has a cleansing effect on the soul," according to spiritual leader and author, Marianne Williamson, "healing us from the inside out." The very act of saying "thank you" makes us humbler, gentler and more loving people. "When something good happens and we give thanks for it," she goes on, "then its positive effect expands within us."
What about expressing thanks for gifts we would rather not have received? What a powerful practice a word of appreciation becomes when even in the face of a serious diagnosis, a child in trouble, or unexpected financial reversals we can say "Thank you, God!" People who in the throes of receiving a gift wrapped in heartache rather than in beautiful ribbons and bows don’t ignore the facts, but who remain grateful are "schooled in using the act of giving thanks as a tool for the assumption of spiritual victory." It is out of being grateful that we can know that there is a gift here, and even if we can’t see it, gratitude keeps us open to receive it.
"Gratitude is an opener of locked-up blessings," states Ms. Williamson. "Gratitude journals are not just lovely, they work," When we say "thank you" we are reminded of our place in the great and grand design of things.
While life is not always fun, it is always a gift. When we accept that truth, we can live in gratitude that good thing by good thing and disaster by disaster, we are becoming better people. "While I cannot say I am grateful for my pain, I am grateful for the fact that it is never meaningless," Marianne writes. "I have been given a chance to learn" ultimately attaining a sense of womanhood that I can call my own."
Out of every gift the Universe has to offer there comes the opportunity to be grateful; to allow our thanksgiving to reverberate through our entire being. And in that very act, we touch a nerve not only within ourselves but within the universe itself unifying us with the glorious One, and giving us the true sense that Life is grateful to us as well.
Diane Harmony is in the business of personal and spiritual empowerment. She is an author, platform speaker, workshop/class teacher and facilitator, ordained Minister of Religious Science and guide on spiritual retreats. Diane has been published in Science of Mind Magazine, Awareness Magazine, Inner Visions Magazine, and Daily Guides of Prayer. She is the author of the award winning book, 5 GIFTS for an Abundant Life: Create a Consciousness of Wealth. A gifted teacher, Diane has taught over 40 prosperity classes to hundreds of students. In 2002, she succeeded in successfully creating an 8 week Prosperity Course entitled 5 GIFTS for an Abundant Life! Today, Diane is the leader of her own company, Universal Harmony Inc., whose vision is to empower the planet’s population with the spiritual insight, knowledge and tools to live life in abundance, joy and peace. You can visit her web site at: http://www.5gifts.com
