Welcome to our practice. Let’s begin…

We invite you to close your eyes and take one or two slow, deep breaths. Then open your eyes and read today’s quote by Alain de Botton: “Every time we feel satisfied with what we have, we can be counted as rich, however little we may actually possess.

  • Let the words in the quote sit with you for a moment or two.
  • What do you notice? Become aware of any feelings, sensations, thoughts, or images that might arise.
  • Then read the question: How am I rich? 

How am I rich? Rich in health? Rich in years? In friendships? Or family? Are there jewels at my feet in the form of spring flowers, ancient stones, a wooden floor that supports me? Am I rich in years, wisdom, memories, lessons learned? How is satisfaction a form of wealth?  How am I rich?

Share your responses to any of the above in the reflection area below, write in a journal at home (or online), or simply let the quote and question accompany you throughout the day.

Notice how this exploration impacts you… and those around you.

We are so often in conversations with ourselves and others about what is lacking, missing, or not enough in our lives. Everyday Gratitude, and grateful living, help us to see and acknowledge that which is sufficient and abundant within us and around us, taking none of our blessings and riches for granted.

For further inspiration you might appreciate:

This Moment – a poem by Howard Olivier

A Kinder, Gentler Philosophy of Success – TED talk by Alain de Botton examines our ideas of success and failure

Sufficiency: Reclaiming the Power of What is There – an excerpt from Lynne Twist’s book, The Soul of Money


The image above is excerpted from Everyday Gratitude © by A Network for Grateful Living; book design and lettering by Alethea Morrison; watercolors and cover illustration © Katie Eberts, with additional watercolors by Clikchic Designs; used with permission from Storey Publishing.

Next Practice →

 

Enjoy the full eight-day Everyday Gratitude practice series.


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