The ABCs: G is for (Radical) Gratitude
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
In many spiritual traditions, there is a practice in which a selected scriptural passage becomes the theme for the week. At Radical Spirituality, we do the same thing, but in a radical way.
Each Sunday, I offer The ABC’s of Radical Spirituality, a single, simple word distilled from the common principles of all the world’s faith and wisdom teachings that serves as the exploration for the week. They are the roots of Radical Spirituality. And because I am that person, the words are in alphabetical order. We start with A and go to Z.
It’s a simple practice to get to the roots of what matters on our spiritual path. The best part is that you will get out of it what you put into it. If you just keep the word on a sticky-note on your computer, it will still work it’s magic. But to dig deeper, delve in, dive in, and see what you find.
G is for (Radical) Gratitude
“I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks.” -William Shakespeare
Gratitude is a given in spirituality. Without appreciation for the many gifts we receive – the first of which is life itself – we cannot begin to consider ourselves spiritual. Even in the depths of despair, we can—we must—find something to be grateful for. Gratitude is the root of a spiritual life.
Gratitude stems from the recognition that every moment of our lives is filled with abundance. We have air to breathe, food to eat, water to drink, and sunshine to keep warm. We have people we love and who love us. We have mountains and flowers, art and chocolate. We have laughter and tears. We have life – and everything in it. Generously, we are given, and we don’t have to do anything to earn it.
Gratitude is related to grace: they come from the same Latin root, gratia, meaning favor or thanks. Grace is the gift freely given. Gratitude is the response. They are two sides of the same coin. It doesn’t matter where that gift comes from – God/Source/the interaction of photons and molecules – it’s the recognition of the gift, the appreciation of it, and the thankfulness we have for it that matters.
As the 13th Century German mystic, Meister Eckhart, said, "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is ‘Thank You,’ it will be enough."
This week, we explore Gratitude. What gifts do we receive and how can we return the favor?
Deeper Roots
Every tradition – every – makes Gratitude a centerpiece of its teachings. Every prayer in Judaism begins with language of thanks. Baruch Ata Adonai, Blessed are you, Our God, followed by whatever we are grateful for. Waking up. Bread. Wine. Everything.
Christian and Muslim prayers are similar. They begin with some form of acknowledgment and appreciation for God, Jesus, or Allah Himself. Indigenous traditions abound with blessings and appreciation for the earth, Pachamama, or Great Spirit, and even Buddhism makes expressions of gratitude for the teachings of the Dharma part of its very foundation.
But we have to cultivate Gratitude. It’s all too easy to forget that we have everything we need, even if it doesn’t appear that way. We get stuck in scarcity. We get trapped into thinking we are not worthy, that we have to do something special to earn our keep, or that we have to fight others for our share of the pie. We complain that we aren’t getting what we think we deserve.
Lack of Gratitude comes from a lack of humility. Lack of Gratitude comes from fear that we won’t get what we want, and, left unchecked, it creates a sense entitlement. In the absence of Gratitude, we become greedy and grumpy, and the world becomes dark and dangerous.
But when we can take a moment each day to remember what we have, what we have been generously given and the grace we have received, the world seems a bit brighter. We can relax. There is contentment. There is possibility. There is joy. There is even generosity.
Generosity is the result of Gratitude. That’s the radical understanding. If we recognize our abundance and know – trust -- that we will always have what we need, we can give freely from what we have. If we remember that the Source of All is inexhaustible, then we, too, can generously bestow the gift of grace on others. It goes full circle. Radical Gratitude is the gift that keeps on giving.
Reflection Questions
What does Gratitude mean to you?
For what are you grateful?
What prevents you from feeling Gratitude?
How can you cultivate more Gratitude?
Simple Practice
Keep a gratitude journal and Gift Jar. Every day for a week, write down a few things you are grateful for. What gifts did you receive that day? For each one, put a penny (or a quarter, whatever you can afford) in the jar. At the end of week, gift the contents of the jar to charity or to someone in need. Know that you will never run out of gifts to receive or give.
“When you arise in the morning give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself.”
-Native American Prayer – Tecumseh Tribe
If you need a little soundtrack inspiration, this is Matisyahu’s newest song, “Fireproof,” about how even the worst things we go through can help us find Gratitude (and make us stronger)!
“The pain that made me, the love that saved me, when I was lost in my solitude, I found my gratitude.”