gratitude - what's it to you?

In this first in a series of "friday features", I bring to you... gratitude: wikipedia-style!

I found it interesting to see what Wikipedia had to say about "gratitude".  They spend very little time defining it, and focus more on exploring the benefits of gratitude from a psychological perspective.  They also explore the connection to spirituality:

"The link between spirituality and gratitude has recently become a popular subject of study. While these two characteristics are certainly not dependent on each other, studies have found that spirituality is capable of enhancing a person’s ability to be grateful and therefore, those who regularly attend religious services or engage in religious activities are more likely to have a greater sense of gratitude in all areas of life."

My personal definition of gratitude has certainly evolved over the years. And I have no doubt it will continue to do so. Today, gratitude is a stance... it is a perspective from which I am called to view the experiences of my life. I sometimes refer to it as a "lens through which I see the world". It is a spiritual practice where I choose to accept and receive my experiences as pure gift... as grace.  For sure, there are days when I am not at all grounded in that stance... The lens is well beyond my reach, and my perception of events or people takes on that "wtf?!" attitude. Luckily, gratitude is just a breath away (OK, maybe 5 or 6 breaths :-))...

What about you? Gratitude - what's it to you??

gratefully yours,
jag

daring greatly

"Wouldn't it be cool to find out what other people are grateful for?"

Frig.

This one little question just wouldn't let go. I was on a mid-winter vacation in Miami Beach, basking in gratitude for all the blessings in my life, and this simple thought popped into my head.

For reasons unknown to me, this thought migrated from my head to my heart and triggered the idea of the gratitude project. I have often had ideas and have done nothing to follow through on them. The perfect excuse would show up at the perfect time, and I'd go with that.

This time, the words "daring greatly" from Brene Brown danced in my heart... And a timely article on the value of failure asked me the question: "When was the last time you failed at something? What did you learn from the experience?" I knew I wanted to celebrate gratitude in some big way this year, but truth was that I was afraid my idea would flop. Big way = big flop. Big time.

But I reached out to a few trusted advisors and began to give voice to my idea. the gratitude project began to take shape... I began to grow in confidence and to welcome the opportunity to dare greatly. And so, here we are!

the gratitude project is a social engagement experiment that seeks to engage people in a conversation around gratitude. This blog is just the starting point: guest bloggers, featured resources, personal reflections... I invite you to join me and contribute in your own was as the experiment unfolds!

gratefully yours,
jag

countdown - 1 day to release...

March 4, 2013

1. Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn something new - I am starting an online course on "video montage" with Vivienne McMaster. Totally out of my element, but I'm hoping to create something that will support my project. "Which project is that...", you ask?? Why, the one I'll be announcing TOMORROW! :-)

What are YOU grateful for today?

 

 

countdown - 2 days to release...

March 3, 2013

2. Today, I am not feeling 100% and I am grateful for the most comfortable bed and bedding EVER! And for sleep - the great restorer.

And you? What are you grateful for on this day??

 

 

countdown - 3 days to release...

March 2, 2013

 

3. Today, I am SO VERY grateful for reconnecting with a friend from the past. Monique and I were billeted together during a grade-9 exchange trip. She lives in St-Boniface, MB and, although we found each other on FB a few years ago, there is NOTHING like a f2f reunion! Friendship renewed...

And you? What has your day offered for you to be grateful for?

 

 

countdown - 4 days to release...

March 1, 2013

4. Today, I am grateful for one of the most beautiful urban running routes in Canada (iconic bldgs everywhere!) and for a friendship born of my first learn-to-run clinic. Danielle & I have had a standing running date every Wednesday for the past 7 years! We don't always keep it, but we check in every week.

What are YOU grateful for today?!

 

 

countdown - 5 days to release...

Feb. 28, 2013

5. Today, I am grateful for the perfect winter boots for a wet & slushy day! 

What are YOU grateful for today?