CATALYST NEWS
Eva Dahm, CPCC, MA
November, 2002
Dedicated to your growth and exploration.
WONDERING: Is there an Eva in another time/space
continuum who really has her "stuff"
together?
POWER OF GRATUTIDE
Many of us will say a mealtime thank you this
Thanksgiving. How many though, will think to thank
the farmer who planted the crops or tended the
livestock? Do you think to mention the workers
who harvested the crops? How about the employees
who processed and prepared the food? Recently,
in Chicago, we've seen headlines about one of
our grocery store chains possibly closing. Do
you remember the distributors of your daily nourishment--the
marvelous places that make "shopping"
for thousands of food items possible?
You'd better thank the cooks who lovingly assembled
and presented your food since they are probably
sitting beside you. Perhaps such gratitude for
our nourishment should be an everyday thing? After
all, when you eat every meal with such mindful
gratitude, how could you possibly get indigestion?
GRATITUDE LISTS
You've probably heard someone on Oprah recommend
keeping a gratitude journal--listing things you
are thankful for at the end of the day. So what's
the impact of such a regular practice? I believe
it is at least twofold.
First, such a list opens your heart to the blessings
you have. Everything from living in the U.S. and
being able to eat three meals and sleep in a warm
bed to the friends and family members who love
and care for you. My whole attitude has shifted
to gratitude-for my health and the activities
I can enjoy, for my work and the rewards of assisting
others, for my relaxation and fun times, and so
on. Noticing small things like the bright sun
shining on a brilliantly red or yellow tree builds
gratitude.
Sarah Ban Breathnach (Simple Abundance) says
her list sometimes includes things like gratitude
for the saw that fell in the garage and missed
her head by inches. So there are all sorts of
things to be grateful for. How quickly we leave
critical, negative ideas behind when we point
our minds toward the positives.
The biggest area I was overlooking on my list
was being grateful for who I AM. When I began
adding one or two items that I appreciated about
me each evening, my self-love and acceptance increased.
What gifts do you have? What special abilities
or skills do you share? What makes you a great
friend? What insights, opinions or listening ear
do you offer to aid others?
Second, not only will your heart open to others
and yourself, but also your blessings will grow.
I believe that what we focus on increases. So
focusing on the people, activities, items in your
life that you want more of will produce more.
This also shifts the fear of scarcity in the
world into a sense of abundance and love. This
change gives you a better sense of grounding on
the earth and of being in the right place and
time.
So one simple quick list or mental list before
bed can shift two energies-our root energy and
grounding and abundance as well as our heart energy
and love of self and others. One client has a
"family gratitude list" on the refrigerator
where everyone can add items.
SPEAK YOUR GRATITUDE
Next I'm going to suggest that you speak your
gratitude to others. There is wonderful power
and connection in telling another person how they
have motivated or taught you. I recall a visit
a few years ago to Iowa City where I worked in
publishing for a time. I sat down with the editor
and told him how much he had helped me create
a definition of myself as a professional. He was
surprised and pleased to hear my comments. He
died a few months later.
Speak your thankfulness to others for great things
and for small things-NOW.
RECEIVE THANKS
Finally I strongly suggest you develop the "receiving
muscle." Practice smiling and saying "thank
you" when you receive a compliment or a positive
comment. Don't discount the remark. Be with the
compliment. This allows the giver to really speak
their gratitude and to see its impact on you.
A more complete action/reaction is the result.
So be sure to be open for gratitude reception
as well as giving it.
MY THANKS FOR YOU
Special thanks to each of you for the unique
role you've had and continue to have in my life.
I appreciate our time together and the lessons
we've shared. I am so blessed by the light in
each of you. Have a wonderful thankful holiday.
I'd enjoy your comments or questions.
Love and light,
eva
Eva Dahm
Coach Catalyst
630-369-9824
evadahm@coachcatalyst.com
www.coachcatalyst.com
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