inspiration


TheGratitude Campaign A Simple Gesture from the Heart Says it All


by Scott Truitt


THIRD STREET SOUTH FARMERS’ MARKET 255 13th Avenue S., behind Tommy Baha- ma’s in the Neapolitan parking lot between Third Street South and Gordon Drive Saturdays, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. 239-434-6533


MEETUP GROUPS


LOCAL FOOD ENTHUSIASTS http://www.meetup.com/Local-Food- Enthusiasts Contact: Kimberly Cavalier at kcfruitnveggies@yahoo.com 808-936-2623


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RETAIL MARKETS


FOOD & THOUGHT ORGANIC FARM MARKET & CAFÉ The Gateway of Naples 2132 Tamiami Trail N., Naples 239-213-2222 FoodAndThought.com


Food & Thought carries organic produce from Franke Oakes’ organic farm.


FOR GOODNESS SAKE ORGANIC MARKETPLACE AND CAFÉ • Berkshire Commons, 7211 Radio Road, Naples (Marketplace only; no café) 239-353-7778 • Naples Walk Plaza, 2464 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples 239-597-0120 • Sunshine Plaza (near Ace Hardware) 9118 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Bonita Springs 239-992-5838 ForGoodnessSake123.com


For Goodness Sake has an organic produce program with Nick Batty’s Inyoni Organic Farm.


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hortly after 9/11, I began a practice of approaching military personnel whenev- er I see them in public to thank them for serving for us. Most times, it has been a wonder- ful experience for both of us. Occasionally, however, it has felt a bit awkward, for reasons that are not always apparent in the moment. Other times, I couldn’t muster up the nerve to approach them at all. What has been consistent is that every time I’ve done it, they seem very appreciative of the gesture, and I have always felt better for having expressed my gratitude.


It can be difficult for some people to approach strangers this way, because many of us have been socialized since childhood not to talk to people we don’t know, much less open our hearts to thank them for defending our very freedom to be whoever we want to be. My occasional reluctance and awk-


wardness in these situations made me think that it would be nice if we civilians had a gesture or sign, similar to a mili- tary salute, that we could use to express our gratitude quickly and easily, without having to even approach a stranger. I did some research and found a sign that originated in 18th-century France. The Sign, which some are now calling The Gratitude Sign, begins by placing your hand over your heart, and then bring- ing your hand down and out in front of you, bending your arm at the elbow (not the wrist), and ending with your hand at about your belly button, slightly fac- ing the person you wish to thank. Fully translated, it means, “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”


Photo courtesy of Carrie Robinson


My next challenge was how to spread the message. I called a client, the National Football League’s Seattle Seahawks, and told them I wanted to share this sign with people as a means of expressing their gratitude when circumstances might not allow for a verbal thank-you. The Seahawks sug- gested that I make a short video they could air during their games. So, I part- nered with Amy Sedgwick of Mouse House Productions, in Seattle, to create the videos at GratitudeCampaign.org. Since our video first aired in 2007, an estimated 30 to 40 million people have seen it, and many are now using The Sign throughout the world. I’m often asked if The Sign is limited to honoring military personnel. Not at all. Look around, and I’m sure that you’ll find lots of people who are serving our communities, from local to global. If you appreciate their service, give them The Sign. Say, “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”


Scott Truitt is the founder of Gratitude Campaign.org.


natural awakenings November 2010 43


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