Take a deep breath and allow your shoulders and jaw relax and soften. Allow your thoughts to be there without judgment as we explore the many layers of the phenomenon of gratitude. For the sake of this conversation, I invite you to call to mind a person, event or situation that you are grateful for in your life. Continue reading when you have done that. Allow the experience of gratitude to be in the background as we move on.

Gratitude emerges from heart intelligence. Gratitude has been labeled a feeling, a mood, an attitude, an experience, a recognition, a reflection and a mindset. I am claiming it is also an action and a connection to someone or something that stirs us on a heart level. When gratitude is allowed to emerge or is brought forth from the heart, it can be life sustaining and life changing. The conscious state of gratitude can heal, open possibilities, alter relationships, deepen connections, bring forth joy and happiness, expand interpretations or  viewpoints and transform challenges. 

Gratitude can exist whether you are alone, with another person or in a group. It can be for yourself, others, on a national or universal level. It can be a verbal or non-verbal, physical demonstration of appreciation. It could be saying thank you or performing an act of service in exchange for how you were supported, lifted or acknowledged. It could be a smile, a wave or a gentle nod.  Some conscious or unconscious act that emerges from that inner knowing that your heart has been stirred. In that instant, you shifted because you became aware of someone or something that adds to the quality or experience of your life situations. Your life has been altered due to the recognition, connection, act, expression or experience of gratitude.

Gratitude is also an exchange. How do you receive other people's gratitude for you, your words, your actions? Do you honor or dishonor their sentiments? Do you dismiss or downplay what you are being acknowledged for or who you are being acknowledged by? What would be available to you if you were to truly allow yourself to receive other people's gratitude? This is a time to honor the contribution and value you are or have been in someone else's life. Allow yourself to receive their expression of gratitude without judgment. Breathe in the gift you are and the difference you make in this world. I say the world is a better place because you are in it. Claim this moment! Accept my gratitude for being in my life. From my heart to yours, thank you!

What stirs you to gratitude? Are there specific words, actions, events, occurrences or people that move you to soften or pause with a sense of being connected, loved, appreciated, cherished, accepted, trusted or blessed? Does gratitude show up as heart felt or do you simply demonstrate the automatic, obligatory actions that come from the head.  What would be available to you, your connections with others and your overall experience of gratitude if you were to take this on as a stirring of heart intelligence and connection to the dynamic force gratitude can be in your life?