to God for all that is given or bestowed upon us in our lives. One line from sura 14 says, “if you are grateful, I will give you more” (14:7). When more is given to us, it can open our hearts to extend generosity of spirit to others in pure- hearted ways. Those who are pure of heart are naturally generous, possessing no agenda or expectation for return. Being pure-hearted is an aspect of the mystical heart, and often is demonstrated more openly through the holidays. Approach your holidays with the spirit of royal generosity that comes from connecting to your own mystical heart as you honor what is whole, or holy, in your life.
December’s darkness with candles or colorful lights is an outer action that kindles the reminder of the light of our own inner spirit. Gift-giving offers a wonderful opportunity to express our heartfelt generosity and to delight those who truly matter in our lives. As the year draws to a
“As the year draws to a close, let us recall the many gifts it has brought to us—and that we have brought to the world. Let us end our year of gratitude with appreciation and thanks for all.”
The darkness of December and its slow but faithful movement toward the light are crucibles for investigating the mystic heart. There are unlimited ways in which we can connect with our own mystic qualities this month: qualities such as openness, presence, generosity, kindness, and joy. Illuminating
close, let us recall the many gifts it has brought to us—and that we have brought to the world. Let us end our year of gratitude with appreciation and thanks for all.
December Benefit of Gratitude Practice Did you know that the practices of holding positive emotions and being broad-minded and
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adaptable in our coping style build upon one another? This leads to increased emotional flexibility and triggers an upward spiral toward enhanced emotional well-being. The heart as an organ responds favorably to positive emotions. Studies of the physiological effects of positive emotions related to gratitude—namely appreciation and compassion— suggest that changes for the better reliably occur in cardiovascular and immune functioning. In other words, the more we extend gratitude, appreciation, and compassion, the healthier our heart and immune system become.
Reflections
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart”. -Massieu
In contemplative practices of any kind, questions provoke
inquiry, reflection, and conscious awareness of what we are learning or what is being revealed to us about our own current inner and outer work.
See Gratitude Page 38 37
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