In his TED-TALK speech, Benedictine monk David Steindl-Rast shared an important concept: the secret to pursuing happiness is to learn to be grateful. He emphasized that every moment and opportunity is worthy of gratitude because we cannot be sure whether the next moment and opportunity will come. He teaches us to stop, look, and then act to meet and enjoy every moment.
In modern society, we are often caught up in busyness and fatigue. We pursue success, wealth and achievement, but ignore the little things around us and the truly important values. We often associate happiness with external conditions, thinking that we can only feel happy when we have certain things or achieve certain goals. However, Standella reminds us that happiness does not depend on external factors, but is an internal state of gratitude and acceptance of the present moment.
The power of gratitude is to make us feel rich and satisfied from within. When we learn to be grateful, we pay more attention to our present experiences and appreciate every moment in our lives. Whether it’s a smile, the smell of a cup of coffee or a greeting from a friend, every little moment is worth being grateful for. We can stop, slow down, and savor the beauty of life.
Standella mentions a simple yet effective way to cultivate gratitude: stop, look, and act. First, we need to stop, put aside what we are doing, and bring our attention to the present moment. Such pauses allow us to become aware of the good and things to be grateful for around us. Next, we need to take a look and carefully observe the details and experiences around us. This kind of observation helps us understand and feel the situation more deeply. Finally, we need to take action and truly embrace and enjoy every moment. This might mean sharing joy with others, expressing gratitude, or simply focusing on present-moment activities.
Learning to be grateful doesn’t mean we ignore difficulties or negative emotions in our lives. Rather, the power of gratitude lies in making us more capable of facing adversity and difficulty. When we learn to be grateful, we are better able to see the positives and potential opportunities in life. We will respond to challenges with greater determination and confidence and find solutions to problems. A grateful attitude can help us have a more positive mental state and enhance our ability to resist stress and difficulties.
Additionally, learning to be grateful can have a positive impact on our relationships. When we learn to give thanks and express gratitude, we send a message of care and attention to others. This attitude can promote the establishment and maintenance of intimate relationships and enhance the connection between people. In addition, gratitude can inspire and inspire others, making them aware of their own value and contribution.
In our fast-paced modern society, learning to be grateful is an important life skill. By cultivating gratitude, we are better able to experience and enjoy every moment and embrace the beauty of life. We can practice gratitude through pause, observation, and action and integrate it into our daily lives. This attitude of gratitude not only brings personal happiness and satisfaction, it also enriches our relationships and improves our ability to face difficulties.
Let’s reflect on our lives and incorporate an attitude of gratitude into them. Whether it is family, friends, work or the little things in daily life, they are all worthy of our gratitude and cherishment. By learning to be grateful, we can find peace and contentment in the midst of busyness and busyness, and bring happiness to ourselves and those around us.
