Yesterday, we reflected on three things we felt gratitude for. Today, we’ll share more words of wisdom and another gratefulness practice from our friend Roshi Joan Halifax:

“I also try to write at least one person every day to thank them for the good work they are doing, the blessings they have contributed to my life, or the love they have given to others. As the abbot of Upaya Zen Center, some days, I have the joy of writing several e-mails or cards of thanks for the support of our center. I believe that, like compassion, the practice of gratitude benefits both giver and receiver and enriches the experience of connection.

Our vows and commitments, including the practice of gratefulness, are about living a life of conscience, courage, and non-harming. They are a way for us to open our lives to the deeper truth that we are not separate from each other—that we share a common body, a common life, and a common aspiration for well-being for all. As we come to know this, live this, practice this, an alchemy of gratitude ignites our hearts into the warmth and honor of integrity.”

Today’s Practice*

Write a note to a person in your life whom you feel gratitude for, thanking them for the good work they are doing, the blessings they have contributed to your life, or the love they have given to others.

The note can be a quick text, email, or Facebook message, or if you’d like, you can send a handwritten note in the mail.

Take time to reflect afterwards; how did this make you feel?

Let me know how your experience went by replying to this email or posting to the Facebook group, and have a beautiful day!

With love,
Kelly

*From Roshi Joan Halifax's new book: Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet. Due out May 1!