To be thankful is to acknowledge the gift of the blessing bestowed by whatever circumstance or opportunity with which you are acquainted or is upon you. We do not always recognize a blessing when first it comes. We may need to learn what it brings before we can acknowledge it for what it is. An attitude of gratitude is a great help for this. You can use it as a lens through which to view whatever blessings each day brings to you.

Begin the meditation with a focus on your breathing—no need to do any special rhythm, just breathe normally or in the way you prefer. Once you feel relaxed, peaceful, and clear, begin by imagining yourself standing at a window, looking out at a beautiful tree. You may envision it clothed in leaves, green or golden, or with naked branches. Reach out to it and say, “Than you, lovely tree for the grace of your presence.

Feel the sense of gratitude blossom in your heart as you gaze. It may be a tree you remember, one you imagine, or one you see often. Allow the feeling to fade and replace the image of the tree with one of someone you hold dear. Once again, allow the feeling to fill you. You may now change it and add a symbol of an experience or place you hold dear and do the same.

 Now call forth the image or name of someone with whom you have struggled but have forgiven or need to, and once again, express gratitude for what was gained from the experience. You may then of course substitute an experience of difficulty for an individual, as above. Now when you have concluded all the examples, say this invocation: I give thanks for all the blessings in my life. I ask that I may live with gratitude in my heart and in my eyes, each and every day, Amen, may it be so. Take a deep breath and return to the day.                      

                                                                                         Tasha Halpert