For two people to connect effectively, they need to learn a common language and be on speaking terms. A similar dynamic applies to our mind’s connection with happiness. Though our mind constantly craves and makes us slave for the things it believes will bring happiness, yet happiness often eludes us.
Why? Primarily because our mind has not learned the language of gratitude. To be happy, we need to focus on the things we already have and value them — such appreciation for what we have is the essence of gratitude. Without such gratitude, even if we get many of the things we dream about, our mind will still obsess over the things we don’t have and keep us unhappy.
What about times when we do express gratitude? At such times, even though our mind nominally goes along, it often reduces those expressions to mere rituals, devoid of any real feeling of appreciation for the things we are verbally appreciating. Consequently, even when it seemingly mimics the language of gratitude, it doesn’t come on speaking terms with happiness.
How can we change our mind? By striving to consciously notice and appreciate the simple things of life that bring us even a moment of joy: things such as a friend’s welcoming smile, the rising sun’s soothing rays, or a gentle breeze during a walk. Prompting us toward such actions, the Bhagavad-gita urges us to cultivate contentment as a mental discipline (17.16). When our mind starts experiencing the joy inherent in such heartfelt expressions of gratitude, it becomes more open to the idea that happiness doesn’t have to be dependent on the fulfillment of its cravings.
Gradually, as we become more fluent in the language of gratitude, happiness won’t just reside within us but will also radiate outward, enriching those around us.
Summary:
The mind that fails to learn the language of gratitude can never be on speaking terms with happiness.
Think it over.
- When two people have difficulty in communicating properly, what are the two main causes?
- To be happy, why do we need to learn the language of gratitude?
- How can we get our mind on speaking terms with happiness?
Audio explanation of the article is here: https://gitadaily.substack.com/p/learning-the-language-of-gratitude
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17.16: And satisfaction, simplicity, gravity, self-control and purification of one’s existence are the austerities of the mind.
To know more about this verse, please click on the image
Beautiful