Gratitude arises when we are in sacred relationship with life—present, open and receptive. This talk explores how central gratitude is to our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and then looks at the ways we can directly gladden our minds with gratitude. We end with a guided meditation that includes sharings from the group. The audio includes a poem of blessing by John O’Donohue with a brief cut from Robert Gass – Om Namaha Shivaya (from the archives).

Using the acronym H.E.A.R.T.H., we’ll explore: Honor Goodness (Internal and External). Embrace Rest, Joy, and Gratitude Awaken Awareness and Embodiment. Release Through Letting Go. Tend Wholesome Habits. Harness Stability for Others.

Creating barriers around the heart are false refuges. Appreciation, gratitude and joy all serve as powerful elixirs to a depleted heart.

How can we remain calm and inwardly strong when we feel anger or fear, greed or grief? Meditate with new eyes – keen, open, attentive, and dare to forgive even difficult feelings or troubling conditions. Stay present, stop and witness fear's end, because stopping to see is just like turning on a light. There is more clarity to know fear as impermanent, and to observe the nuance of the fear of fear itself. It's not my fear or my anger but unpleasant sensation. So we depersonalize and pour gratitude into the new moment with the quintessential balm of peace – forgiveness.