Unconventional gratitude isn’t just good manners; it’s a powerful force for transformation. But how do we move beyond the every day “thank you” and cultivate a truly transformative gratitude practice? The key lies in exploring unconventional approaches. Here are four unusual ways to give thanks that can shift your perspective, elevate your vibration, and unlock the abundance within and around you. Prepare to be surprised — and inspired.
Offer Sincere Appreciation to Others
A terrific form of gratitude is offering Usincere appreciation to others for the contribution they have made to our lives. Something I learned years ago when I began leading my first work group. Frequently expressed, specific appreciation for the work that my team did to contribute to our success was part of the reason for our success. Something learned from several excellent leaders I was blessed to know.
One thing we did six years ago when we first moved to Vallejo was to join a fitness center and begin taking a Tai Chi class. I continue to do this gentle form of Chinese martial arts to this day and expect to continue indefinitely. We had an outstanding teacher in Peter Paul, a true master of the art. My story about that:
“I decided yesterday, after a particularly satisfying Tai Chi session at home, that after today’s class, I would go over to Peter and thank him for being my sensei, my teacher, and to express how much I appreciated his guidance and teaching. (In alignment with my recent deepened appreciation for the value of thanking all things in my life for their existence and support.) Lynne and I had not been to class for several weeks, and there were some new people in attendance. This usually slows down the proceedings as Peter attempts to integrate the new people into the ongoing group, and that can sometimes be a bit unsettling.
Flying
Today was different. I found myself in a good mood. I found the warmup exercises exhilarating as I did them in a very mindful way. Something was up. When we began the day’s execution of the Competition Style (one of three we sometimes do) I could feel the ease and focus on what I was doing. My concern with technique, sequence, and breathing disappeared. I was just moving. Illumination came upon me. It felt like I was flying. Wow. Fabulous. For the balance of the session, I remained in that state. Happy. Joyful, really. At peace. Connected to everybody around me.
When I went over to Peter, he lit up. Because he could see that I was lit up. I expressed my appreciation for him as planned and then I said, “You know, 6 months ago, you mentioned that flying was an experience I might have in the future. I did not understand what you meant at the time and was determined to find out. Today I experienced it. Flying.” He replied, “I can see on your face that this is true.” “It’s an experience of Higher Consciousness while doing the sequence, isn’t it?” “Yes”, he replied. “Exactly right.” “I felt myself massaging the Universe, and the Universe was massaging me.” He nodded.
He went on, “The experience is even stronger when you are in a group and everybody in the group is having the same experience. Sometimes only a few of the die-hands in the group show up and we fly together.” “Ah,” I replied, excited at the thought, “The next step for me to experience. I look forward to it.” And he departed.
“Now that was a magical conversation”, I concluded in my journal.
This One is Not Always So Easy — Bless Difficulty
Everyone has difficulties in their lives. Master Teacher stories are full of difficulties overcome. Buddha, Muhammad, Jesus, and others had them. One desirable response to an unexpectedly high expense to fix the car that your neglect caused is to say,” Thank you. I will take care of it. I created the problem., I’ll deal with it.” And to go straight to Buddha mind for the appropriate response to the situation. A Spirit-stimulated response, not a human one.
Fortunately, we have an ally in our Higher Consciousness. To bring into focus the Power of the Now, and benefit from just being Here. In the Moment. With the difficulty. As it is unfolding right in front of us, when there is nothing we can do but be swept along. And then can we remember to say to ourselves, “Peace Be Still”. And breathe. Allow Spirit to flow through and go to work on our behalf. And guide our actions. Or remember to ask for a Best Possible Outcome. (see The Manifestation Book).
Our difficulties are of our own making. They are our children, the outgrowth of our physical/mental/emotional/spiritual makeup as it emerges into the world. Some say that, while we cannot control all our circumstances (an arguable premise, but let’s accept it for the moment) we can control our responses to those circumstances.
Take Responsibility
If we take full, personal responsibility for being the cause, and creator of the problem, we can go within to our Divine S elves where many options emerge can neutralize the situation:
• Take a Sacred Breath (see The Mindfulness Book).
• Do a Higher Consciousness Mediation (see The Meditation Book).
• Channel your Higher Selves into present time.
• Check your heart and your gut for revelation from Spirit.
• Reason with trusted ones to look for clues to the answer.
All good ways to work through difficulty by going Within.
Last, Give Thanks to Higher Consciousness
If you have read any of my books, you know I refer to my Soul as my Higher Consciousness. Affectionately, “HiC”. I have developed a strong relationship with that part of myself. It is truly my Buddy.
Here is how I thanked my Soul recently.
This morning. I found myself in a state of thankfulness to The ALL. For being The ALL. And birthing my consciousness within ITS consciousness. For being the Mother force, if you will, for that birthing. I knew I was an Eternal Being and happy about being That.
Made of The ALL, and surrounded, out to Infinity, by The ALL, I could perceive the underpinning substance that supports what I was seeing. And the intelligence that somehow dreamed all of The ALL up. Existence, consciousness, is a gift.
“Thank you ALL and HiC (my personalized Higher Consciousness Presence) for the opportunity to evolve back to You.” is how I put it in words.
Next Steps
Here are a couple of additional gratitude meditations and exercises:
• Make an ongoing list of the things you are grateful for. And answer the question: “What about these are you grateful for?”
• In the morning, before you get up, name 5, or 10, things you are grateful for.
- Frequently offer heartfelt “Thank yous” whenever you can.
I hope you enjoyed this 2-part series on gratitude. If you missed the first one go to my website, BlairAbee.com, and read it there.
Thank you! : )
Check out my whole book series, The Amazing Benefits of Meditation, The Meditation Book, The Meditation Journal, The Mindfulness Book, The Manifestation Book, and Homage to Spirit, a book of poetry.
Blair is an author, poet, YouTubist, and ordinary mystic. His 5 award-winning book series are available at Amazon Books, and his YouTube videos at Blair Abee Higher Consciousness Channel.