It is through gratitude for the present moment that
the spiritual dimension of life opens up.
― Eckhart Tolle
It might seem like a contradiction that people facing end of life express gratitude. However, many people find that they experience a sharpened appreciation for what their lives have been and for the present moment when the truth of our mortality is near.
Even for those of us who are not yet facing end of life, cultivating gratitude can lead to a happier and more meaningful existence. Grateful people are better equipped to manage stress, and both mental and physical health can benefit.
The good news is that gratitude can be developed and nurtured as part of our personality. See if any of these approaches make sense to you:
Say "thank you" -- but add to it. Our friends at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center suggest being specific about what you're saying thank you for. Create a "shared mental space" by adding details about the act of kindness: "thank you for holding the door for me" instead of just "thank you." "Thank you for picking up my clothes from the cleaner. . . ." and so on. Other suggestions include:
Take a Savoring Walk. Each day for a week, take a 20-minute walk by yourself. On a normal walk, you might be “in your head,” planning what you’ll do tomorrow or considering what happened yesterday. Under normal circumstances, you might be too preoccupied to notice the beauty around you. Ask yourself to observe your surroundings with fresh eyes. As you notice the beauty around you, pause and really take them in. In particular, try to identify what brings you pleasure or joy. Being kinder to yourself helps you take more constructive steps.
Write a letter. Express compassion and acceptance specifically toward the part of yourself you dislike. Consider what a close friend who loves you unconditionally might say. Instead of making yourself feel badly for being imperfect (human) consider what steps you could take to feel happier, healthier, or improve the situation.
Say the Word. Many people of faith use prayer to cultivate a sense of gratitude. This connection to something outside of—and greater than—ourselves is key to developing a sense of gratitude. Even if your faith is not of a specific religion, a sense of wonder and spirituality contributes to well-being.
Meditate. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. Although people often focus on a word or phrase (such as "peace"), it is also possible to focus on what you're grateful for (the sounds of birds, a pleasant image, etc.).
Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. Gratitude is a way for people to shift our thoughts away from always reaching for something new or “more.”And, although it may feel contrived at first, this mental state grows stronger with use and practice.
At Enchanted Sky Hospice, caring for people at end of life fills our days with gratitude and love. Acknowledging the universal fact of our mortality lends value and heart to every moment. We are grateful to our patients, families, friends, and co-workers for bringing this light into being.
Commentaires