Dear Friends,
Welcome to this Evening Gratitude Reflection for Thursday.
This is the fifth in a series of seven.
And in today's reflection,
We consider how our actions and our work add meaning to our lives.
How they contribute to the good of all.
So let's begin by bringing yourselves gently into this present moment of reflection.
Relax.
There may be tasks on your list.
Leave them to one side for now.
You've done enough for today.
And once again,
We return to the breath.
Your constant companion,
Your ever-present helper.
Breathing in the nourishing air of renewal.
And as you breathe out.
Letting go of everything that needs to be let go.
I hope that with each new breath.
You will feel the concerns of the day beginning to lift.
So now,
Let's rest our attention on the breathing for just one minute.
We'll allow the breath to bring us into a place of stillness.
Welcome back.
This evening,
I'm grateful for the work that I've been able to do today.
Or that this work was in my home.
In my community.
Or in my job or vocation.
I am grateful for the opportunity given to me today to use my gifts.
My skills,
My enthusiasm.
My experience.
In the service of something larger than myself.
I reflect on all the ways,
Great and small,
That my efforts contribute to the lives of other people.
Even when I don't see the full impact.
I'm grateful for the tasks I enjoy.
Tasks bringing me satisfaction.
And a sense of total absorption.
I'm even grateful for the tasks I find challenging or tedious.
Without them,
How would I exercise my capacity for perseverance?
My capacity for patience.
May I approach my daily tasks with a spirit of generosity.
Doing well what needs to be done.
But without drifting into a pointless perfectionism.
I'm grateful for the people who work alongside me.
Some are literally beside me and can be seen.
But I give thanks for all the many people whose lives are in any way intertwined with mine.
May I remember that I am part of an interconnected web of all existence.
And may my work and actions contribute always to the common good.
As this date nears its end.
I release what is unfinished into the care of the night.
Trusting the tomorrow as it always does.
Will bring each of us an opportunity to begin again.
Namaste
