Bypassing greed; some points to ponder
Bypass greed
The flip side of gratitude is greed, an evil glutton that robs us of our chances for happiness by fueling our unattainable expectations. Greed is the architect of social disintegration, from failed relationships to war.
While greed is all too pervasive, we can bypass this dark downside. It is as simple as following young April's example: be it a prize on Track and Field Day, hot tea in a cup, a couch to sit on, or the joy of seeing our children's faces, if we pause to consider the goodness around us we'll be overwhelmed. We shall not only see, but feel those blessings.
Imagine a world with a daily "minute of gratitude." For sixty seconds each day, we would pause and count our blessings. The planet would be lit by billions of smiling faces and the world would become a gentler place for us all, as it did for me when a small girl climbed onto my lap clutching a purple ribbon, and gave me a great big hug.
Pause to ponder
• What blessing do you have at this very moment? (Hint: If you are reading this, you have the blessing of sight and education. If you are being read to, someone cares very much for you.)
• What good things have come to you through unexpected difficult situations?
• Count your blessings every morning and watch life change dramatically. Think of those who picked the fruit you eat, pounded the nails in the floor you are standing on, and sewed the clothes you are wearing.
• Give thanks for the rain, the soil, and the sun; you wouldn't be here without them.
• Give thanks for the people who have inspired or comforted you, toasted your highs and hugged you through the low times.
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 | Excerpted from Pause: Putting the Brakes on a Runaway Life by Katherine Gibson. Excerpted by permission of Publishers Group Canada. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. |
