Gratitude

In the midst of a global pandemic, it's so easy for us to get lost in a world of negatives. All around us, we can see people who are suffering. Loss of job, income/security, missing friends, and all these not even including the many lives taken over this period and because of the virus.

We hear stories of people suffering from hunger. This is especially painful, for me, when it comes to stories of children or elderly without food. Yes, there is no doubt - indeed a lot of sadness.

As mentioned previously in the 5 tips given over the last week, I've suggested that we remain focused on positive things in our lives. Again, this is not to suggest we close our ears/eyes/heart to the suffering that is evident around us. That would be like the proverbial ostrich burying it's head in the sand, That's not the idea I was advocating.

Instead - if there is something we can do to help, by all means help. If there is nothing else we can do - then perhaps, if you believe, then pray. Offer prayers for those who are suffering (and this includes us). If we've done all that is in our power to do, then focusing (staying) in a state of misery or regret or sorrow is not going to do anyone any good.

Someone indicated to me recently, that when she was in the midst of giving thanks for all that she is blessed with - she felt guilty for being thankful when so many out there are suffering. It's as if because others are suffering, then I must suffer along with them. While this is not an uncommon experience for many people, we ought to stop and ask ourselves how feeling bad for others to the point we deny (refuse to acknowledge) the blessings in our life going to be of any benefit to anyone?
Being thankful for what you are blessed with does not mean wishing others unwell.

My recommendation to all of us is to be ever mindful of the many blessings in our lives. And no matter what the situation, there is always - always something to be thankful for.  We ought to remain in a state of gratitude. The more we focus on what is positive in our lives, the more we train our minds to see the abundance around us.  This does not make you into a person who is heartless or uncaring about the suffering of others. In fact, I believe if you can be in a state of well-being - if you can remain healthy and positive - the more likely it is that you will be able to bring blessings to others as well.

Do what you can to help others. Do what you can to help yourself too. At the end of the day - leave all else in the hands of the Almighty, God, the Universe, the Source - whatever name you attribute to this higher power. And give thanks. Be in a state of gratitude. Be mindful of all that are blessings in your life - the fact that you have food on your table, a home to take shelter, friends and family who care about you - whether they are physically there with you or not. Give thanks for all that is.

Right NOW - ask yourself, what can you be grateful for? What ARE you grateful for?
Stay happy - Stay safe.

Peace & Namaste