Comments on: Does Gratitude have to be directed?

By: Raven's Voice

Raven's Voice — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:12:07 +0000

Gratitude can be directed or undirected.

Sometimes I experience an upwelling of thankfulness that I don’t “direct” at anyone or anything. I just let it well up in me, and often it takes the form of wordless music pouring from my throat, or ecstatic dance.

I give expression to it, and let it go where it goes.

Sometimes I “direct” it to those people or things about which I’m feeling thankful - I’ll touch the roses in my yard with tenderness, and look at them with awe. I’ll caress my dogs, and “beam” my love for them to them. I’ll call people and just say “I’m thankful that you’re you and that you’re in my life” or “I love you”.

Sometimes I fling my arms open wide to the whole of the universe and spin around in joy.

Experiencing things with gratitude is spiritual. It doesn’t have to be religious.

I think that any expression of gratitude makes a contribution to the well-being of the universe.

Peace out.

By: utterlyagog

utterlyagog — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:23:10 +0000

the purpose of prayer is not to change God, or talk God into doing something, it is to open yourself up to receive the blessings God already is sending you.

Gratitude increases your spiritual connection to good things and sets certain events into motion. You may not identify the receiver of good as God of a particular faith, but as the source of all Good things.

By: J.P.

J.P. — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:25:01 +0000

No, gratitude need not be directed. It can simply be an awareness of the good things in life and being aware of and pleased with the way the universe is developing.

By: Sharon M

Sharon M — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 02:50:23 +0000

Towards whom would you direct it? I think you could still have a grateful spirit but how would you express it? After all, gratitude is for something given. How can you be grateful for a gift without acknowledging the giver?