So you think this is just another day in your life? It’s not just another day. It is the one day that is given to you…today.
-Br. David Steindl-Rast
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8 Reasons the World Needs A Grateful Day
- It’s needed. People around the globe report increasing levels of stress. Studies show that not only does being grateful feel good and promote pro-social behavior, it is also good for our hearts, our relationships, our sleep and it reduces stress. Gratefulness is an antidote to the woes of the world.
- It’s quick. At just 5-minutes long, this video is a brief but effective tonic.
- It’s soothing. This short video stops us in our tracks and calms our nervous systems with gentle music and the voice of Benedictine monk, Br. David Steindl-Rast. It offers a gentle reminder to look around and notice the everyday gifts of our lives.
- It’s instructional. The video encourages us to “look at the sky,” wonder at the miracle of electricity and running water, appreciate the ever-changing weather and the colors all around us. All of these reminders teach us how and where to look, connecting us with the many reasons we have to feel and to be grateful.
- It’s beautiful. Beauty uplifts, inspires, strengthens and connects us with something larger than ourselves — all necessary supports during challenging times. “When before the beauty of a sunset or a mountain, you pause and exclaim, “Ah,” you are participating in divinity.” ~ Ancient Hindu text.
- It’s true. Br. David speaks to a part of us that recognizes his words as truth. They invite us into a trusting recognition of the beauty and wonder that awaits us when we allow ourselves to slow down and be with what is right here in front of us.
- It’s connecting. At a time when nationalism and isolationism is on the rise in countries around the world, this video illustrates our shared humanity, smiles and potential to connect with and heal one another.
- It’s a gift. This video is for all of us. It’s free for us to watch, enjoy, and share with others. Feeling scared, lonely or lacking? Partake of this gift and remind yourself of the beauty and goodness in the world. Know someone who could use a lift? Share this gift — lift someone’s spirits and enjoy the gift of giving.
Practices and Questions for A Grateful Day
In considering tools for living gratefully, we have created a set of practices and questions to accompany and enrich your experience of A Grateful Day.
- Take a moment each day this week to notice the sky—the changing clouds and colors. Try saying thank you aloud to the sky and its varied elements. How does this change your experience of the moment?
- Each day commit to looking directly into the face of another and simply smile without words. What happens? What does it feel like to show appreciation for someone? What do you feel in your body? In your heart?
- Write down something at the end of the day that describes how you left the day better than you found it. Take in the positive impact that you do and can have on our world.
- Go for a walk and notice any natural and human-made wonders that give you a sense of awe. What is the impact?
- Commit one month a year to begin each day with a gratefulness practice.
Questions for Reflection or Conversation:
- What are you grateful for in your life right now? Why?
- What array of colors are visible to you in this moment? How might they inspire you?
- How can you live a grateful life in the face of pain and suffering?
- Consider a difficult situation and the impact it had on you. Can you identify an aspect of the situation (or impact) that you can feel grateful about?
- Why does Brother David focus on each and every day being a gift? How does that help us live a more grateful life?
- Who are people you know who live a grateful life? How are their lives different than yours?
- Close your eyes, imagine a world where EVERYONE lives a more grateful life. Describe this world and how you fit in.
- Imagine you are on your deathbed. What are you grateful for in that moment? Are there things that you would like to change in your life now so that you can truly be grateful for a life well-lived when death comes?
Video Transcript
You think this is just
another day in your life?
It’s not just another day.
It’s the one day
that is given to you today.
It’s a gift.
It’s the only gift
that you have right now,
and the only
appropriate response
is gratefulness.
If you learn to respond
as if it were the first day
in your life
and the very last day,
then you will have spent
this day very well.
Begin by opening your eyes
and be surprised
that you have eyes you can open.
That incredible array of colors
that is constantly offered to us
for pure enjoyment.
Look at the sky.
We so rarely look at the sky.
We so rarely note
how different it is
from moment to moment
with clouds coming and going.
Open your eyes.
Look at that.
Look at the faces of people
whom you meet.
Each one has an incredible story
behind their face,
not only their own story,
but the story
of their ancestors.
All that life from generations
and from so many places
all over the world
flows together
and meets you here
like a life-giving water
if you only open your heart
and drink.
Open your heart
to the incredible gifts
that civilization gives to us.
You flip a switch,
and there is electric light.
You turn a faucet,
and there is warm water
and cold water,
and drinkable water.
It’s a gift that millions
and millions
in the world
will never experience.
And so I wish you
that you would open
your heart
to all these blessings
and let them flow through you,
that everyone
whom you will meet on this day
will be blessed by you,
just by your presence.
Let the gratefulness overflow
into blessing all around you.
And then it will really be
a good day.