Gratitude
The Law of Gratitude states that “action” and “reaction” are always equal and in opposite directions. Being grateful is an expenditure of force that cannot fail to reach the Universe, which will respond in kind.
During times of conflict and challenge, reflect upon the things you are grateful for, which will perpetuate more of the same in the future.
Gratitude focuses your mind and keeps you in close harmony with the Universe, which will prevent you from falling into the realm of negativity.
Gratitude is self-expansive; the more appreciation you have, the more you will have to be grateful for.
EXERCISE: Each day, list 20 things that you are grateful for. The first five will be easy to find. The following five will make you think a bit. Identifying the last ten daily is what will help you the most. Over time, it will add a new dimension to your window into the world.
Heart Intelligence
The heart is the CEO of the body enterprise. It takes the lead when the body and mind calm down.
Here are two simple ways to put this understanding to good use:
- Relocate your thoughts from your head to your heart area, literally. Think from your heart, e.g., before taking a decision, ask your heart first several times.
- Connect with your heart area. Expand its energy, either physically with your hands or in your imagination. When ready, send light from there to whoever, wherever you believe it is most needed right now.
Five classic happiness exercises
The regular practice of any of the following simple exercises will help you create a sense of greater happiness in your life.
- Every night for one week, write down three positive occurrences that happened during the day. Then for each occurrence, write down an answer to the question of why the good thing happened.
- Proactively email or call someone you like or love to share good news only or simply to catch up with them.
- Take a picture of yourself smiling every day for 21 days.
- Pick one person, place, or event in your life that brings you happiness and satisfaction, and write down in your journal the various ways it might not have happened. Then imagine your life without that person/place/event and write that down, too. (More about the George Bailey technique.)
- Starting today, find an empty jar and take the time every month to fill it with notes about good things that have happened to you. Then, on New Year’s Eve, empty it and see what awesome stuff happened during the year. It’s a very good way to keep
things in perspective! Use this opportunity to express gratitude, appreciation, and forgiveness.