By Michael Mirdad

One of the most important, yet underestimated,  attitudes and tools for growth is that of Gratitude.  It’s impossible to experience a True Spiritual Awakening without understanding and applying Gratitude.  Although it may sound simple, Gratitude can only be experienced and developed in a state of Love, Service and Humility.

One of the major steps towards Christ Consciousness is that of Acceptance which is primarily motivated by Gratitude. For us to fully experience Acceptance we must hold Gratitude as our dearest friend,  whose name we speak often.  In other words, if you want to experience a greater abundance of money, love, friendship or even God’s presence, you must first embrace and totally accept the state/level that you are already at--which also means accepting your part in creating whatever current situation you have.

One of the surest ways of knowing that you are accomplishing this empowering and vital level of consciousness (i.e. a state of acceptance) is in your ability to express Gratitude.  This means giving thanks for what you have before you try to create a change in any given situation or circumstance. Give thanks (which means acceptance) for your body as it is (which means being at peace) before expecting a permanent change in that same body.  If you are on food stamps, give thanks for that form of prosperity before you try for the lottery.  Love the person or job you have (as much as possible) before you leave for another.

Giving thanks brings closure to the past (and its lessons) while anchoring and integrating that which you are giving thanks for. There is one precaution, however, that I should mention.  Be careful not to give thanks with an attitude of self pity.  It is not in your best interest to say I am grateful for even the little I have with an attitude of “woe is me” or even false humility.  Instead, the thanks and Gratitude that I am referring to is one that feels sincere, empowering and brings a smile to your face.

When looking over your life, you can learn feel a lightness in your heart for all of the experiences that you have had, including your past relationships.  With a highly developed ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE you truly multiply how much love and joy you feel towards everyone you have known.

The same applies to all aspects of life.  Be grateful to God, to yourself and to everyone in your life—past, present and future.  Gratitude is very proactive rather than passive.  Gratitude demonstrates an attitude of Love rather than fear;  acceptance rather than control and resistance; appreciation rather than taking for granted.  This all leads us to a more joy filled life.  You actually begin to witness new creations that are progressively easier to give thanks for.  In other words, an attitude of Gratitude breeds more Loving, nurturing relationships, a greater sense of Prosperity and Abundance, a healthier body a greater sense of self-worth and a more consistent connection to God.

This is not to say that  challenges do not arise,  Quite the contrary!  We all experience challenges in our lives.  However, we can lighten our load and, in fact, greatly alter the way we perceive it.  Even as you learn, more and more, to live a life of Mastery, you might still experience life’s highs and lows such as communication breakdowns, old issues surfacing, moments of self doubt, etc...  Yet, as we develop the use of Gratitude, we also learn to hold a greater vision and focus on trusting our Divinity and continue the forward movement on our path.

Gratitude is something to be experienced HERE AND NOW.  It’s not a thank you that is to be applied only after you receive something that you perceive as “good.”  Before you can experience Heaven in its totality, you must first experience it here on earth.  This is done through Gratitude for each and every aspect of our life.