Nowadays there is increasing awareness that being in a state of gratitude is actually one means by which manifestation occurs. If you are one of those people who occasionally think of something to be grateful for then you have begun to live in a state of gratitude. However, giving a fleeting thought of gratitude isn’t highly effective. Let’s assume that someone you know is ill and you receive word that they are healing. You may quietly express a sentence of gratitude. Giving momentary gratitude is better than giving none, though its level of effectiveness is low.

When gratitude is practiced as a regular and meaningful expression – where thought, emotion and intention are involved – then it has the potential to change life positively and dramatically! The process I recommend consists of three stages and incorporating these produces the most effective energy for creating change. Setting aside time, on a daily basis, to be in a space of gratitude is essential for this.

1.  Gratitude for the tangible things. This includes consciously giving gratitude for the basics such as money to pay bills, food, friends, etc.

2.  Gratitude for the intangibles. This relates to such things as love, fun, good health, etc. These are essential for wellbeing and happiness.

3.  Gratitude for things desired. This last step is important as it creates the energy to bring in desired changes. For example, if you desire a career change a Gratitude statement may be, ‘I am grateful for the perfect job that is now mine’.

Always express gratitude in the present tense. Giving Gratitude in the present tense commands that this is how it is to be now, and not in the future. It is also beneficial to infuse the act with feeling. Expressing the emotion of gratitude strengthens the energy, thereby sending a message to the Universe that you are serious about your intentions. It does not matter what you are experiencing in life gratitude has the power to change the things you are dissatisfied with. When undertaken daily in a conscious and mindful manner it has the power to change any aspect of your life.

During the years I’ve advocated Gratitude practice I’ve seen individuals change from feeling disempowered, angry and highly stressed to become empowered and optimistic. For individuals who have suffered abuse and other stressful states a Gratitude Journal is a great way to begin the process of empowerment. This involves writing down, in a designated book, at least one statement of Gratitude daily. The act of writing strengthens the energy around that particular Gratitude. Visualizing the issue, situation or emotion healing strengthens it further. Each entry is dated to record a process of growth. I have observed abused individuals become empowered to create significant changes in their lives in as little as one month.

The most marked change is always in the emotional state. Feelings of fear, stress, anger, etc gradually dissipate and are replaced with states of appreciation, empowerment and even self-love. Regardless of whatever adversity you encounter daily Gratitude has the ability to change the experience to one of growth and empowerment.

Some Gratitude statements:

“I am grateful for the abundance of love, harmony, friends, prosperity, etc that I experience daily.”

“I am grateful that I have an abundance of finances for my bills, living costs and other needs.”

“I am grateful for the new job that pays well, and offers many opportunities for professional growth and advancement.”

“I am grateful for my body’s excellent health and its self-healing abilities.”

I encourage you to assess how you would like your life to be, and then begin the gratitude process. Experiment with different ways of expressing gratitude. Find the way that feels most comfortable and then ensure diligence in its application. With persistence and patience you will find yourself reaping the rewards!

Article by: Bente Hansen ©

Australian, Rev. Bente Hansen is an Inspirational Speaker and  Intuitive and Wellness Consultant. She offers clients energy healing, channeling, Soul readings, distance energy clearing, spiritual counseling. Bente is the author of Messages From Beyond (2001), The New World of Self Healing (2006) and Edgar Speaks: Inner Transformation, Journey to 2012 and Earth Changes (2011). She also co-hosts a weekly show at www.manifestingwellness.com.  Contact at: www.dynamicenergyhealing.net , www.edgarspeaks.com or 845 297 4106.

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As families across America just gathered around Thanksgiving Day dinner tables, many gave thanks to the significant things in their lives over the past year. But what about the rest of the 364 days? Do we have things in our life to be thankful everyday? Here’s a closer look at the simple but powerful emotion of Gratitude and how being grateful for the little things can lead to the happiness we all crave.

“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die;  so, let us all be thankful.”
- Buddha

As children we are taught to say ‘thank-you‘ to someone who gives us anything, but the more we begin to get, the more we believe we deserve and as adults, we soon forget that ‘Golden word’ and all it represents. Most of us use it out of habit without actually meaning it. Some of us only think it apt for the bigger things in life, but we need to recognize and express gratitude for every small blessing that comes  into our life.

“If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.”
- Frank A. Clark

It’s not always easy to see the glass half full or to spot the silver lining in every cloud. It’s easier for some than it is for others. But the truth of the matter is we can ALL live lives of Gratitude with a little conscious effort. Start with life’s little things. The fact that you are reading this article right now means you have access to a computer, making you better off than almost half of the World. Be grateful. Like any habit, the more we practice it, the more natural it becomes even if it means forcing it in our lives. The outcome is quite spectacular.

Being appreciative for what we have received heightens our awareness of all the good things that surround us while playing down the “not so good”. A gracious attitude in everyday life leads to acceptance which resonates positive energy around us. In the end Good attracts Good. Gratitude is all in our perception and our perceptions can create the desired outcome. Just feeling grateful though isn’t enough, we have to learn to express this gratitude through words and our actions in order that our thankfulness touches the lives of those around us.

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
-William Arthur Ward

When you are able to fully develop an attitude of gratitude your awareness increases ten fold. You begin to see the world in a different light. Even the darkest of clouds appear to have that silver lining and everything seems as a part of a bigger picture or the greater good. It’s a very freeing experience and soon enough you will realize a feeling of happiness and contentment in all aspects of your life!

*Photo credits: photos by me’nthedogs, Orin Zebest and saumilshah on flickr.

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