The Practice. . .
While gratitude isn’t always listed as a formal Buddhist practice, it’s woven into the tradition. Reflecting on the many causes and conditions that support our lives — teachers, ancestors, food, sunlight, community — cultivates joy and diminishes craving.
In modern life, practicing gratitude counterbalances the constant message of “not enough” from advertising and social media. When you intentionally focus on what’s already present and good, your nervous system shifts from stress to ease.
Start small. Each morning, list three things you’re grateful for — a good night’s sleep, a supportive friend, the chance to learn something new. Or, before eating, silently thank the countless beings and conditions that brought your food to the table.
Gratitude also helps in difficult times. When facing setbacks, identifying even small blessings can anchor you. This isn’t about ignoring pain but broadening your perspective to include what’s still nourishing you.
Science echoes Buddhism here: regular gratitude practice improves sleep, strengthens immunity, and lifts mood. It also improves relationships because you naturally express more appreciation.
Seen through a Buddhist lens, gratitude is a way of honoring interdependence. Nothing exists in isolation; your life is supported by countless visible and invisible hands. Remembering this nurtures humility and connectedness — essential qualities for happiness and understanding the complex world around us.
Peace and Love, Jim
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