By Gary Shunk
“The feeling of gratitude is gratitude.” Prem Rawat
One of the many things I learned and gained from the Hoffman Process was the daily practice of the expression gratitude and this totally new foreign idea to me of the expression of self-appreciation. More on self-appreciation in a moment.
Gratitude Listing
After the Process I found myself practicing the expression of gratitude – 3 things in my life that I am grateful for. Easy, right? Quite often I found myself “gratitude listing”. I’m grateful for that fan blowing on me right now. I’m grateful for that delicious peach I had for breakfast. I would list 3 things every day. However, I became aware that I was hoping that the peach I had for breakfast would trigger the gratitude. The fan, my car, my home. I became aware that these external things, while very enjoyable and appreciated, were not the source of my feeling of gratitude.
What I have recently become aware of is, like that quote says: The feeling of gratitude IS gratitude. My practice now is hands on heart, quiet the mind (go away for a moment Mr. Intellect false CEO of my life, leave me alone for a moment please), and feel the gratitude that already exists within my heart. Gratitude for being alive right now. Gratitude for the love that exists in my heart. Then express the gratitude directly from the feeling. Spread it around if you will.
Self-Appreciation
Now self-appreciation: Really? Who thought of this? This is ridiculous! Do I appreciate myself? That is a big question I came away with during and after the Process. Hmmm. I began “self-appreciation listing” just like I did with gratitude. My ability to write very beautifully in cursive is something else I appreciate (I really do have beautiful handwriting which I journal with). I appreciate my ability to drive safely. On and on. Yet again, not really feeling it and expecting the list to spark something.
Similar to my tuning into gratitude first, I find self-appreciation is pretty much the same feeling. I am grateful for being alive and being here now. These are the things I truly appreciate. I appreciate my Spirit, my True Self. My handwriting is a way I express and appreciate myself. I appreciate my creativity and my expression through writing from my own experiences.
Thank you, Hoffman Process for this new practice and insight!
Mary Beth
08/23/21 at 5:11 PM
Love it!
Brenda
08/23/21 at 12:33 PM
Brilliant! Blessings and thank you for sharing your amazing insight Gary!
Gary Shunk
08/23/21 at 4:11 PM
Hi Brenda, you are most welcome. Thank you for your kind words. Gary
Tami Tack
08/23/21 at 12:30 PM
While gratitude is so important, I think we tend to overlook the value of appreciating oneself, mistaking it for conceit. Self-appreciation is essential for well-being! Thanks for a great article!
Gary Shunk
08/23/21 at 4:12 PM
Hi Tami. You are most welcome. I did struggle for a long time with self-appreciation. I was not raised with it, that’s for sure. Gary
Bobby Williams
08/23/21 at 11:32 AM
Having a daily sense of gratitude is the only decent way to live.
Gary Shunk
08/23/21 at 4:12 PM
Hi Bobby. I totally agree! Gary
Isin
08/23/21 at 6:10 AM
Thanks Gary. Was good for me to read at this exact moment 🖖
Gary Shunk
08/23/21 at 4:14 PM
Hi Isin. The amazing fact that my words resonate with someone always warms my heart. You are most welcome. Gary