The Buddha, The Dharma, The Sangha

"Spiritual powers and their wondrous functioning--hauling water and carrying firewood." --Layman Pang, upon his realization

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Gratitude Practice--Day 2

Good Morning!

Welcome to Day 2 of the 7 Day Gratitude Practice
Be free, have fun!


True Self:
"This term, the archetype of wholeness, refers to the part of us that is unchanging, no matter what happens in life.  It was never born, and it will never die.  It is the source of self-love, self-acceptance, self-esteem and inner peace."
--from Free Your Mind, by Sensei Tony Stultz

Begin your twice daily grounding practice: Taking refuge in the True Self at your centering space.

Transition into a 5-10 minute (or longer) silent meditation, undisturbed.

Throughout the day, dedicate yourself to intentionally noticing moments of present moment gratitude--you might want to set your watch, smart phone or a timer to remind you a few times today to stop and notice.
Bring your awareness to this very moment--What are your thoughts, words and deed in this very moment?

During your gratitude time-outs, see if you can bring a sense of thanks to whatever it is that occupies you--patting the dog, sitting in traffic, making a cup of tea, communicating with another person, walking, balancing the checkbook.

Whatever it is, check in and simply be present.  There will undoubtedly be moments when you feel frustrated, angry, disgusted, lazy.  Just note those things and move on.  See if it is possible to bring a sense of gratitude even to these murky emotions.  Remember, we are accepting the good, the bad and the ugly.

Finish your day with your grounding practice at your centering space.  Meditate 5-10 minutes (or longer) in silent meditation, undisturbed.

Begin your journaling practice this evening:

For tonight, list 5-10 things for which you are grateful.  These may be things that came to you during the day, or they could simply be whatever comes to mind. In fact, don't think too much!  List whatever comes to mind, without edit. There is no such thing as something too simple or too small for which to be grateful.

Finally, offer yourself loving-kindness for your day, using the Metta prayer from Friday.

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