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Gratitude

 At the beginning of the year, an author I admire mentioned she decided to draw and color or doodle a circle each morning, before sipping her coffee and ingesting the day's 'news!' I'm more sporadic in this practice - I always enjoy it!

A key practice in Reiki is to recite the Go-kai - the precepts, daily. The 4th precept is Kansha shite - be thankful/ grateful - for our life, energy,  our companions, and this amazing universe. 

Circle - ᏔᎵ (Ta-li - two)

If we wish to live in a more harmonious world, and to foster a healthy environment, teachers from many cultures and paths invite us to begin with gratuitude. 

  • Express gratitude daily: get up and give thanks to the elements: earth, air, fire and water. 
  • A Hindu practice: touch the floor with your hand, greet the earth before stepping out of bed. 
  • Japanese: wake up slowly, stretch, wiggle toes and fingers, take several deep breaks 
  • Give thanks for food and drinkr
  • Appreciate little moments of beauty and joy.
  • Do your personal practices, and release the outcome - Tai chi, yoga, meditation, Reiki, kindness...
Circles and Inspiration Card
  • Pay-it forward. When someone offers help, or does something kind, follow suit when you notice an opportunity. 
  • Say thank you!
  • Spend more time with like hearted people
  • Shine your light - when we see ourselves as radiant beings, we become them!
  • Young children are closer to the unseen realms, and can help us remember how to tap co-creative power.
A number of studies have shown gratitude practices enhance our personal well being and mood, and even reduce pain! This ripples out, and has a harmonious effect on the world around us. 
We each have gifts to share, and power to bring harmony to the world around us. 

How do you express gratitude?
Do you have a favorite daily practice?
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Comments

  1. TamaraOctober 22, 2025 at 12:11 AM

    I don’t have a set daily ritual, but I often find myself expressing gratitude in the moment, sometimes to others, sometimes just as a quiet reminder to myself. It helps me stay grounded and aware of how much there is to be thankful for, even in ordinary days.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heart Song DreamsOctober 22, 2025 at 7:16 AM

      Gratitude in the moment - that's such a good way to live, isn't it?

      Our Native Voices bookgroup is reading Dr Anton Trueuer's 'Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians but Were Afraid to Ask.'
      In the section on Indian Religion, he comments that while customs and traditions vary widely, most tribes have, 'values, beliefs and rituals that are infused into everyday life.'
      Nadya

      Delete
  2. KandasOctober 22, 2025 at 5:56 AM

    I have a 10 9 8 gratitude practice. At 10:09 I do 8 intentional things.

    I am digging the idea of drawing circles every morning! And touching ground before getting out of bed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heart Song DreamsOctober 22, 2025 at 7:06 AM

      Oh Kandas - I love your 10 9 8 gratitude practice!!
      I hope you enjoy touching the ground and drawing circles.
      Nadya

      Delete
  3. Where do you want to go today?October 22, 2025 at 11:47 AM

    My first thought is the circle made by coffee dripping over the side on my coffee cup.
    There are so many things to be thankful for, it is easy to think thankfully frequently throughout the day. A practice of thankful prayer in the morning and at night after laying down in bed.
    Blog challenges and Duolingo french lessons keep disciple in my life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heart Song DreamsOctober 22, 2025 at 1:44 PM

      Love that image of the ☕️ dripping .... thanks for sharing your daily practices - beautiful ones!
      Nadya

      Delete

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