Gratitude ~ Cross-cultural Practices
Cross-culturally, human beings have the practice of gratitude embedded in their languages. There is no language world-wide that does not have a way to say "thank-you" or demonstrate gratitude. Giving gratitude everyday keeps the heart open. It is impossible to give gratitude from a closed heart. Many of us are used to giving gratitude for our blessings; however, world-wide we have three other doorways or portals for giving gratitude:
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Gratitude for our blessings
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Gratitude for our learnings
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Gratitude for the mercies we extend to others or others extend to us
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Gratitude for the experiences of protection or safety for ourselves and loved ones.
Monthly Practice:
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At the end of each day, spend 20 minutes (5 min. for each category), giving gratitude for the blessings, learnings, mercies and protections you experienced during the day.
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Notice your own capacity for extending gratitude to others throughout the day. Find your norm for gratitude and increase it during this month.
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Explore Gratitude Resources such as:
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M.J. Ryan's books on Gratitude;
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Brother David Steindl Rast's http://www.gratefulness.org/p/index.htm;
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Robert Emmons's book, "Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier";
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and Angeles Arrien's new CD's on Gratitude released from Sounds True this year in late March.
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