Whatever you do, start with gratitude

Quote of the day: “The root of joy is gratefulness.” — David Steindl-Rast

I’ve been working on a committee planning a spring retreat for about 80 women. It’s been fun, challenging, life-affirming, and revealing.

I’m heading out to the retreat center in less than an hour to set up and prepare for the arrival of everyone. Just a few days ago our committee was putting the final touches on our plans for the opening and closing activities for the retreat.

While we were planning the phrase, Whatever we do, we need to start with gratitude, flashed through my brain.

So early on this evening at the retreat we will do a moving meditation that focuses on gratitude.

In my work as a photographer, I have experienced the power of gratitude. One of my first projects was a 30-day gratitude project. I made a photograph each day of something I was grateful for.

What I noticed about halfway through my project, was that I was seeing the world and my everyday life in an entirely new way. Not only was my joy increased, I saw beauty wherever I looked.

I have been fascinated with how one creates positive change. Here are some of my conclusions learned from my own experiences:

Start with gratitude.

Find something to be grateful for every day.

 Start where you are.

Add in presence and acceptance of what is.

Start with what you desire to feel.

Go towards what you want to experience instead of away from something you don’t want.

There is a great difference in how the brain functions when you are going towards (positive approach circuits are activated) compared to how the brain functions when you are problem solving or “fixing” (negative avoidance circuits are activated).

Add in Openness

Get curious, cultivate beginner’s mind, notice

Befriend Yourself

Be compassionate towards yourself.

See what happens in your creative life when you add in gratitude on a regular basis. I believe you will find greater joy in creating.