What do you think about gratitude? Is it a value? A principle? Perhaps a methodology?

It’s that time of year again here in the USA where we have that special holiday with thanks in the title. Unique to Americans, and fraught with cultural baggage, Thanksgiving signifies the kickoff to the holiday season.

The name of the day combines a noun and a verb, ‘thanks’ being something that one could have, give, or receive, and ‘giving’ being the verb that tells us what we are supposed to do with it.

If nothing else, it’s a good time to ponder the idea of gratitude. What it means, how it affects us, and what to do with it. Slippery stuff indeed, but I reckon it’s good to think of it as a key ingredient in consciousness.

When I was a kid growing up on a ranch in Western Colorado, Thanksgiving meant one thing — stuffing yourself to the gills. It was the start of the annual Overeating Olympics. My family wasn’t overly creative, the menu for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners were pretty much exactly the same year after year.

Roast turkey with stuffing, potatoes, both mashed and sweet, cranberry sauce out of a can, and plenty of gravy. If you only went back for seconds, you were an amateur, you had to fill up a third plate to be considered a pro.

It wasn’t until I got out in the world that I experienced exotic holiday meal alternatives such as roast beef, duck, or brussels sprouts, let alone a tofurkey.

Sitting through a somber soliloquy of giving thanks wasn’t an experience I had until later, our blessing was more of a “Praise the Lord and Pass the Peas“ type of affair.

I never really thought about thankfulness much until I was in my mid-thirties. One morning after an all-night entheogenic ritual I came out into the light of day and realized that I’d never really properly understood gratitude before.

Since then, I’ve seen it as more than a value or a methodology. I find it most useful to think of gratitude as a practice. If you want to live life as one of those people whose glass is always half-full, you have to learn how to summon gratitude at will whenever you need it.

An older friend (and long-time Monday Love reader) describes his attitude this way: “I’m not sure if I’m grateful because I’m blessed — or blessed because I’m grateful. Thankfully, it doesn’t matter!”

If this idea seems trite, just think about the most ungrateful person you know. How’s their luck? Their opportunities? Their quality of life? ‘Nuff said.

It’s an easy practice to lean on when your patience is put to the test. Pause, breathe, take a moment, and find a sliver of gratitude where you can. There’s always something to be grateful for, in each and every moment.

On that note, take care and have a great week, however you happen to spend it!

Much love till next Monday!

Merci et à bientôt!

M+

ML #655

Mark Metz
Monday Love Movement Calendar