Tea with Linda - Gratitude

Tea with Linda - Gratitude

Contributor: Linda Kavelin Popov, Co-Founder of TVP, 

At a time of unprecedented suffering across the world, our personal peace is under constant threat. Now, more than ever, we need to sustain virtues practices, beginning with gratitude. It is an antidote to anxiety and has the power to heal. I recall a time years ago when I was praying about a severe problem. Throughout the day, my stomach was in knots, and I was deeply anxious. I couldn’t still my mind enough to meditate and receive guidance. I felt helpless and hopeless about the problem. I stepped out on the deck, wondering “What virtue do I need to quell this anxiety?” What came to me strongly was gratitude. So, I started thinking of things in my life for which I was grateful -- the sweet, fragrant pines around me, my faith, my husband’s humor, treasured friendships, the food on our table, the ability to serve, the creativity to write, my health -- the list grew longer and longer. Within minutes, my heart was at peace. I felt cheerful and trusting that an answer would come. Soon after, it did. 

Isn’t it hypocritical to focus on gratitude when there is so much devastation right before our eyes on the daily news? Truthfully, offering up thanksgiving in the very midst of adversity releases great transformative power. First, we need to companion our feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and anger. When we claim our feelings, we receive the gift of virtues within them –trust, responsibility, and justice. Gratitude is an excellent way to reset our souls, preparing to act on inner guidance. Dwelling on what we cannot change is anathema to our wellbeing and mental health. Making a mindful choice to focus on what’s right with the world and in our lives --the beauty in nature and in human nature around us and within us --creates a ripple effect of positivity and hope across the human spirit. Simply noticing what we appreciate can change our minds and our experience. 

The Five Strategies of The Virtues Project help us to focus our own light on making a difference to those within our sphere of influence. That circle is wider than we know. When we are the presence of grace to someone, whether acknowledging a virtue, recognizing a teachable moment when we offend someone and making amends instead of excuses, respecting someone’s boundaries, honoring the spirit by treating every soul with dignity, spiritual companioning even for a few moments, is deeply exhilarating and generates fresh gratitude for all concerned.  

Not only is gratitude a key to healing anxiety, stress, or depression, it is a magnet for joy. Christian writer G.K. Chesterton said, "I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." 

Whenever we begin and end the day by counting our blessings, gratitude becomes a portal to trust. Dutch theologian Peter Feddema said, “The will of God will never take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.” Each day brings a fresh opportunity to be hopeful, to show love, to seek moments of joy, and to create a positive shift. Gratitude will flow freely.