I can’t believe I’ve been writing about proactive gratitude for this long without mentioning the practice of meditation.  Not that one must meditate daily to benefit from the practice of gratitude. Not at all. However, meditation can serve as a “way in.”   It’s the best way I know to connect with the heart; to connect with the Source from which all things flow, to enter the vibration of gratitude and to allow it to permeate our cells.

On a purely physiological level, meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, calm the central nervous system, and relieve a host of problems from anxiety to sleep disorders and even drug addiction. Meditation is considered to be beneficial to the immune system which is our defense against a myriad of diseases. Meditation aids one’s ability to concentrate and improves overall mental alertness.  Research has found that individuals who have practiced meditation throughout their lives look eight to ten years younger than their peers.  This may be because meditation gives your body and mind a deep rest — much more than sleep itself.  For whatever period of time you spend in meditation, your entire being dwells in a state of suspended timelessness.      

This sense of timelessness is another important benefit of meditation, for it gives you the opportunity to be entirely in the present moment.  Most of us fluctuate between living in the past and in the future.  We are often influenced by what just happened: “What did she mean when she said that?” “He was such a jerk to me.”  Or, we critique our own performance, “How did I come across?” or “I should have said….”  Alternately, our present moment awareness is robbed by the enormous amounts of time we spend planning the future:  “What will I wear?”  “What will I do?”  “What will I say?”  “What will I make for dinner?”  “Will he/she call?” “What will I do with the kids this weekend?” and of course, “How will this situation turn out?” 

Rarely do we spend much time simply being in the here and now, enjoying the fact that we are alive…feeling grateful for our life and all the magic therein.   Meditation give us the opportunity to be fully present in the moment, to breathe in life and to connect with the Source.  It is an experience that replenishes us and allows us to move through the day alert to the blessings in life.  Meditation allows love and gratitude to fill us up and keep us full.  

There are as many forms of meditation as there are personality types, and therefore there is one that will fit you.  So experiment and find one that calls to you.  But don’t get into the trap of waiting to find the “right” meditation technique or guru.  You can start right now by just sitting still, closing your eyes and focusing on your breath. That’s all.  Do that for a few minutes and you’ll soon feel a deep sense of peace.  Keep practicing and you’ll begin to realize the benefits of meditation that I mentioned above.

As always, let me know how it goes.

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I am grateful for the beautiful spring weather and color all over the city.

I am grateful for the YMCA and all the camp counselors who devote their time so lovingly there.

I am grateful for Evos — a healthy alternative to fast food.

I am grateful for the abundance that is all around and in my life now.

I am grateful for limitless possibility in which I exist.