Exercise in Gratitude
Forgive me if today's entry sounds like a self-help column, but I stumbled across an exercise in a yoga magazine and I'm finding it to be quite powerful. I have typically done the first part of this routine for years, but it's Part 2 and 3 that I'm finding both difficult and revealing.
Here's the deal: before you go to sleep, take a few minutes to think about all the things that you have received today. Be as specific as possible, and include even little things. For instance, when I was in the grocery line with one item, not one but TWO people ushered me ahead of them, so that I was able to buy my item in no time. It could be a phone call I received from a friend, or the fact that my electricity bill was less this month than I expected. Nothing is too trivial. It's also important to notice which of these I didn't appreciate at the time and ask myself why not.
Then, take a few minutes to think about what you have given to others today. Last night for instance, I thought not only about the birthday presents I had given Joe, but also about complimenting someone on how beautiful they looked in a new top they were wearing. This I find harder to do than Part 1.
But Part 3 makes me the most uncomfortable. Take a moment to think about what troubles you caused others today. Again, nothing is too small. I thought about driving my car to work and adding to global warming when I could have taken the bus. I thought about the first words out of my mouth when I saw Jamie yesterday afternoon, which were, "What do you have for homework?" instead of just giving him a hug and asking about his day. The important thing is not to judge yourself, but to just make notice of your actions.
I'm finding this exercise is changing my whole frame of reference. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
7:06:56 AM 
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