This is your MESSAGE BOARD Vol.2 Issue 12 December 2009 from David at PiB.

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HELLO,

I would like to extend to you, your family, friends and colleagues the spirit of peace and goodwill, not only at this particular time of year, but for the entire year to come. May this be a time of collective and personal sharing and celebration of all that we can be thankful for over 2009.

Thank you so much for your support this year. Enjoy this issue... David

 

THE CHRISTMAS FEATURE ARTICLE

CHRISTMAS: a Time for Gratitude

"If the only prayer you say your entire life is 'thank you' that would suffice."
Meister Eckhart (c. 1260 - 1328)

Eckhart von Hockheim was a Catholic mystic of the 11th century. His writing and reflections alert us to the power of gratitude to expand and transform our lives. In more recent times, the author of A Fortunate Life, Albert Facey was asked where the name of his book originated. Replying, he said "I called it ‘A Fortunate Life’ because I truly believe that is what I had." His classic Australian autobiography was a study in the recognition and understanding of gratitude.

For most of us, the Christmas and New Year season is a time to share gifts, to gather and celebrate the story of our lives with family and friends. But it can also be a sad reminder of impoverished lives through the loss of family or friends, fractured relationships, or loneliness. For them, ‘Christmas in the Park’ is an opportunity to celebrate this festive time in a meaningful way - a time where hosts and guests alike find a mutual spirit of thankfulness and a deep sense of gratitude.

Gratitude has much to do with "acceptance of the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace..."

Gratitude has much to do with "acceptance of the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace..." (paraphrased from the Serenity Prayer). In other words, we are urged to experience our life without regret, judgement, fear - or expectation that this moment should be other than that which it is.

May you SEE your FORTUNATE LIFE.

Comments on this article? I'd love to hear from you
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WE ARE WHAT WE DO

It would seem that Christmas and a deeper understanding of gratitude are a perfect fit; and it is. In fact, all moments of our lives are a perfect time to expand our understanding of gratitude regardless of the circumstances we face.

I know people who 'keep an eye out for that perfect gift' for their family and friends throughout the entire year. If that sort of attention were given to gratitude, our whole being would be alive to what we can be thankful for; even in times of tragedy.
Take time to:

  • See and acknowledge the little gifts of kindness that others extend to you each day.
  • Physically engage (e.g. eye contact, touching of a hand or shoulder) when saying thank you.
  • Look for beauty - even when it is difficult to recognise - each day.
  • Practice spontaneous acts of kindness to family, friend or strangers.

May 2009 and 2010 be a time where gratitude continues to heal and restore our welbeing.

Until next time... David

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Message Board contents © David Bodman PiB. Personal copying and/or transmittal to a colleague or friend is welcomed. For commercial use please contact the author. 
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