Seeds of Gratitude

by Loretta Levin

Loretta LevinThe topic of gratitude is seen in many articles everywhere today as we are all looking for a healthier and more peaceful way of life. It is true that when we encounter a person who exhibits a high sense of gratitude they possess a joyful and a positive attitude filled with enthusiasm, which is contagious. We prefer to be around a person who has these traits because they add value and enjoyment to our day. The heart of gratitude is more precious than gold, consider it priceless.

Nature has a heart of gratitude and we can certainly learn from her. I was taught a valuable lesson this year from my visit to a local orchard in Northwest Indiana. I enjoy visiting this particular orchard as it has a very large field with sunflowers. On my last visit to the orchard, I was anticipating to see the bold golden yellow sunflowers which stand strong and tall. I arrived at the end of summer, but I was still hopeful that the flowers would be present. As I took the wagon ride that is offered for the visitors desiring to see the fields of pumpkins, corn and sunflowers, I came to the sunflower field and was surprised when I looked over the field. The sunflowers were now seedless and bowed over after a full summer of facing the sun and feeding many insects, birds, butterflies, and bumblebees.

My first impression was that I had arrived too late. However, I took another look with a new perspective and quickly realized I had arrived right on time. I learned a valuable lesson on gratitude, giving, and humility.

The sunflower is a flower so many enjoy for many reasons. I enjoy this particular flower as it brightens up my day and home. By having these flowers on display, they add a bit of sunshine indoors and seems to have their own smile. Their stalks are also used to make garden trellises and the sunflower also produces oil from its seeds which are used for cooking. Another fact you may not be aware of, the flower has an added benefit as it is used to make paint and cosmetics. This flower is truly a giver of many rich resources. We can say the sunflower has much to give indeed!

I was able to witness the large sunflower heads which once carried tremendous quantities of seeds for the pure purpose of giving, humbling itself, and bowing to its creator and farmer who assisted in making this wonderful life simply saying, “Thank you.”

I can only imagine that the giver of life, our creator, looking down with great satisfaction over His creation, knowing it had received acknowledgement of all it had been given and was able to share with so many in various ways.

An attitude of gratitude always sees what is present and what one has, not what it does not have even in the waiting season. We can all practice having more gratitude in our own lives. We have all been given so much from the moment we awaken. We open our eyes, take in fresh air, breath, move our bodies, and start our day in our chosen occupation. We have family, friends, personal belongings which make our lives more comfortable. A home, car and many more treasures we possess along with the advancements in technology which help to make our homes and occupations more efficient.

I would like to remind you before we look at all these material aspects in life let us not forget to look at nature, a masterpiece which is unmatched by any human design or creation. There is a new sky each and every day. It will never be reproduced twice. It will have a different pattern of clouds displayed from sunrise to sunset. Our oceans and beaches are mesmerizing as they move with grace bringing you peace and tranquility. All the birds in the air create a formation of synergy, unity and harmony. Many times they are simply hidden in trees performing a symphony rustling the leaves which remind us of hands clapping. Our lush green trees and their blowing leaves are providing us with a soft breeze and the very oxygen which is needed for life.

Let us not forget all the beautiful people we have the privilege of seeing each day, enjoying and hearing their incredible voices and learning from them. New faces, familiar faces, smiling faces and so much more helping to give you a reason for gratitude.

There is so much we receive daily. Remember to thank our Heavenly Father, Infinite Intelligence. Take steps today to make sure you are seeing all your blessings and share them with others. This will certainly allow you to enjoy a greater wellbeing and happiness in life.

Napoleon Hill’s principle Cosmic Habitforce pertains to the universe as a whole and the laws that govern it. Cosmic Habitforce is infinite intelligence in operation. It is a sense of order. It takes over a habit and causes a person to act upon the habit automatically. Developing and establishing positive habits leads to peace of mind, health, and financial security.

In our society today, doctors are starting to see the health benefits of individuals who practice the habit of gratitude in their daily lives. Expressing gratitude is considered to be preventative care against mental illness and disease. Gratitude produces healthy emotions and increased satisfaction in life. You can re-train the brain to be aware of all the positive in your life which truly outweighs the negative.

Consider introducing these activities to your day for a richer life filled with gratitude.

  1. A prayer of thanksgiving, this is the highest level of prayer.
  2. Journaling and recording at least ten things you are personally grateful for in your life.
  3. Hand write a special note to a friend or family member letting them know how they add value to your life.
  4. Reach out to others who are having a difficult time and share your resources with them whether it is your sound wisdom, compassion, or finances.
  5. Celebrate someone you know who is celebrating a birthday, and anniversary or promotion. Join the party with your enthusiasm and smiles and brilliant cheers.
  6. Buy a stranger a cup of coffee or buy the groceries for the person behind you in line. They just might need a little help and it is a wonderful way to show them that people still care for no other reason than to just share.
  7. Extend a helping hand for those in need of assistance and volunteer at a local organization. Start out with one hour a week or possibly once a month. Nothing is too small, everything is a seed sown.
  8. Allow another driver on the road to go before you as drive in the comfort of your car drinking a hot cup of coffee and listening to your positive books which inspire you.
  9. Practice saying Thank You for everything, to everyone, and especially for the people who serve you and make your day more pleasurable and joyful. Thank You! Thank You!
  10. Be kind to yourself and treat yourself to a special day. Visit the art museum to see your favorite Van Gogh and make a special purchase at the art gallery gift shop for you or your friends.

This is the day! It will be what you choose it to be. Therefore, be grateful and always remember to stay humble and kind. I truly enjoy the song by Tim McGraw, “Humble and Kind.” I hope you’ll listen to this song today and may it enlighten you to see all you have been given. We live in a world of abundance. There is always more than enough!

Photo of Loretta Levin
Director of Operations Levin Eye Care Center Whiting Indiana United States

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Notes

The topic of gratitude is seen in many articles everywhere today as we are all looking for a healthier and more peaceful way of life. It is true that when we encounter a person who exhibits a high sense of gratitude they possess a joyful and a positive attitude filled with enthusiasm, which is contagious. We prefer to be around a person who has these traits because they add value and enjoyment to our day. The heart of gratitude is more precious than gold, consider it priceless.

Nature has a heart of gratitude and we can certainly learn from her. I was taught a valuable lesson this year from my visit to a local orchard in Northwest Indiana….

Read the whole article here: Seeds of Gratitude

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