We often hear to be grateful and to state our gratitude by saying thank you. In my contemplation this morning, I heard to add something to that statement of gratitude that will help me be more mindful and will show me another side to gratitude.

When I feel gratitude for something, add a statement that acknowledges and identifies what I am receiving and then add that I am grateful for it. For instance, “I receive the love of my friends through their invitation to Thanksgiving dinner and I am grateful,” or “I receive the light-up stocking caps and the care from my friends and I am grateful.” The idea is to recognize what I am receiving before simply saying thank you.

By stating that I am receiving something, it helps me be more mindful and shows how abundantly I am loved by friends, family, the Universe. It’s easy to say I’m grateful for this or that, but when I state that I am receiving something, it amplifies the gratitude. And I’m not saying I’ll do this out in public (but who knows) but rather make it a personal practice. 

Stating that I receive something opens me to receive it on a deeper level and therefore deepens my gratitude.

“I receive electricity because someone is monitoring its production so families are warm…and I am grateful.”

“I receive a phone call from my daughter because she cares about me…and I am grateful.”

“I receive a hug from my hound because he loves me…and I am grateful.”

“I receive an order for my books because my friend loves me and supports my work…and I am grateful.”

“I receive the beauty of these mountains…and I am grateful.”

“I receive the beauty of the stars…and I am grateful.”

“I receive the bounty of the Universe…and I am grateful.”

Recognizing and naming what I am receiving helps me see…opens me…expands my awareness of the bounty of my life. I receive this bounty and I am deeply grateful.