Interesting reactions on this thread.
Hoaxy, perhaps it depends on your definition of "things" and "more" here.
I"ll repeat the sentence I wrote above that Schwimmy picked up on:
We were taught that we were "cause" and in fact create both the good and bad things that happen. So if a good thing happened the immediate response is "I caused that, yay for me" and a bad thing "I pulled it in, I am a (insert derogatory scio word)". The view does not allow for any outside influence in our lives, or any real spiritual input.
It's no secret I like metaphysics and it has been a long road towards trying to understand the energies and influences outside my own realm of "cause". The first step is to become aware and accept that they exist. I don't have any answers, only my own conclusions, however to me I am part of something bigger than my sometimes small perceptions would allow. Another thing is to have no expectations that gratitude or anything else allows me to demand
or expect anything.
So when
I talk of "things" and "more" it is not necessarily in the form of MEST. That is a scientologists view, to assume "things" are solid.
Let me give you an example, perhaps more info than I should but what the hell. I am grateful to have a voice now.
For the last 8 months I have been living in a small unit, the only one available for me at the time. The recent heavy rains in Melbourne revealed a flaw in this old building which is due to be demolished and it has flooded 4 times through the bathroom and kitchen. It was hell on earth but you know, I just got on with it and was grateful to have a
very clean floor. I knew this was a temporary residence and there was nothing I could do about it (the landlord did eventually fix the problem). Knowing I was stuck here with no idea of how to get out of this pickle, every time I started to stress I would concentrate on the things to be grateful for in this environment. Close to the shops, lots of birds, easier access for my friends than my previous place, creative time alone and so on. I am actually grateful for this place in so many ways, even if others think it's the pits, it's a roof over my head.
Out of the blue a new housing situation has appeared, totally unexpected and it's going to be great. When I signed the lease the official actually said the words to me twice - "this is a gift" as though she too was amazed and happy for me. It
is a gift and I am once again grateful. My 21 year old hip revision is showing signs of failing and you know, I
am bloody grateful it didn't happen 6 months ago and that I will be in a safe environment for what is to come. I am incredibly grateful for the help and support of my friends, even those I haven't met in person
and as I am so, even more love appears when I need it most.
It's about how you look at things. Maybe other people don't view it all as I do, this is just my own experience of gratitude.
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