Gratitude Revisited!
Why do this wave of complaining tide over us more often than necessary?
Being a victim of this ‘complaint’ mode for the last two months, I can confidently say that we are unaware how easily we fall prey to this. We do not even realize what it does to us and how it wires us to think and act. Since the rise in cases of covid and travel restrictions imposed, I have been unable to plan my next adventure since February. Added to this, is the pace of movement towards my goals have not been up to mark as I want it to be. Constantly looking only at these factors, I had switched on this complaint mode in me, and been fueling this for sixty days, not completely mindful how it was integrating in each and every aspect of my life. The worst part is, we are so amazingly conditioned to complaining, that the mind embraces if very quickly and keeps showing us things we should be unhappy about.
Finally, after a rebellious episode with the family, I decided to go ahead and make my next travel plan. Even after knowing completely well, that I am being irresponsible, I defended my argument of feeling inspired again when on the road. As soon as I sent a note to the Airbnb place I wanted to stay, I sat down to think why I have been fussing for the last two months. At that same time a news flashed on the number of increased deaths and families being torn apart, the difficulty in jobs being increased due to the current world situation. I said a prayer of thanks for the well-being of my loved ones at this moment. You know what the best part is? in the same manner as the ‘complaint mode’ slithers in like all aspects of life with one complain, the ‘gratitude mode’ whitewashes all the damages done by its nemesis. I held the hand of gratefulness for a moment, and it led me to see what all in my life is absolutely wonderful right at this moment. I have health at my side, my loved ones are happy and at ease, my work is blessed and I love it, I have the possibility to travel anytime and anywhere I want, my refrigerator is filled with fresh food and I have the capability to cook and eat anything I want, I have a mini jungle at home itself which is nourishing me day in and out, I have a wonderful group of friends who would stand beside me anytime I want, I have a partner who would go to do anything to make ends meet for me, the sky is blue as ever, the wind is blowing beautifully and I am alive to live the way I want right now. And most importantly, I have the luxury to make a choice! Recalling all of this, I feel I have really opened my eyes to the beauty all around after a long time! and I wonder, why I forget it from time to time…
The feeling of gratefulness opens doors for us we never knew existed. I will hold onto it for the moment :)
