by Danah
This very moment is the perfect teacher, and lucky for us, it's with us wherever we are. - Pema Chödrön
Thank you. Thanks. Thanks so much! Go ahead, say it out loud "Thank you." Sometimes we say it so much that it doesn't sound like much at all. I know I do. It's courtesy right? We're taught as children to say, "Please" and "Thank you" no matter what. Then when we grow up we master the art of sarcasm and it comes out "Thaaaaanks". But in all seriousness, I'm not saying that I think we should stop saying thank you all the time, but maybe be present more when we do express gratitude.
Speaking Your Feelings
I had an experience the other day that I felt so much gratitude the words didn't feel like enough. When they came out of my mouth there was so much depth and power and energy behind them I could feel it in every inch of my being, and I wished that the person I was expressing gratitude to could feel it too. This experience made me think about all the time I say those words and don't take the time to feel what they mean.
Staying In the Moment
If you're anything like me, 90 miles an hour is an average speed. There are a lot of experiences in a given day that we miss, constantly. And, it's people like you and me who need to be present. My goal is to be present and experience gratitude first hand. I'm challenging myself to stay in the moment and feel it when I say thank you for someone opening a door or handing me a pen. Saying thank you from the heart. Maybe if I can stay present enough they might feel it too. I welcome you to join me in this challenge and hope that it adds just a little bit more meaning to each day. Thank you.
Originally published April 2016