The Power of Gratitude

Our thoughts are things that create our realities. What we think strongly influences our emotions and where we vibrate at an emotional level will determine what we attract into our lives. For example, if we're living in a state of anger, hatred, and resentment, then we will attract this type of energy into our lives. On the other hand, if we're operating though joy, love, and compassion, we will naturally attract more of the same, high-frequency, positive experiences towards us.

One of the most powerful, positive states we can occupy is the state of gratitude. When we feel grateful for what we have, we naturally open up the channels to attract more abundance into our lives and more for which to be grateful. It's a positive feedback loop that gets stronger with conscious awareness and practice. Granted, there may be days when we're challenged to see the good, but even on those days, acknowledging the simplest of things, such as our warm cup of tea or a smile that was just shared with a stranger can reset our mood.

In addition, according to Esther and Jerry Hicks in their book Ask and It is Given, "Because the vibration of appreciation is the most powerful connection between the physical you and the Non-physical You, this process will also put you in a position to receive even clearer guidance from your Inner Being."

As they say, clearer guidance from ourselves-meaning that we can more easily find exactly what we need within ourselves, which is exactly where all of our true resources reside. This is why meditation, being calm, still and quiet, or even simply slowing down can have such powerful impacts on our lives. They not only lower stress, they help us tap into the answers we're searching for, but that don't reach us when we're engulfed in the noise and chaos of everyday life, and that often leave us ungrateful, sad, or frustrated.

Whenever I find myself becoming stressed, overwhelmed, or unhappy over a situation in my life, I turn to my gratitude list. By writing down the things in my life that I am grateful for, my thoughts naturally expand on what is good which displaces my negative thoughts and mood. This is something that has become a habit for me over the last couple of years.

Two of the best times of the day to practice stepping into the state of gratitude are before going to bed at night and before getting out of bed in the morning. Just before bed, think of at least 5 things that you are grateful for or that went well during the day. Keep a gratitude log or a journal by your bed and write these things down. Doing this right before bed will help set your thoughts into your subconscious while you sleep. Before you get out of bed, you're also likely to still be in this state. Practice this often and watch what happens. What you focus on, will expand, and that can be a very good thing.