Virtues in Paradise: Unconditional thanksgiving

My birth country, which is fractured and divided as never before, has held a presidential election leaving half the country cheering for victory and the other half grieving the loss of cherished ideals and gob smacked at the power now wielded by leaders they do not trust. By Linda Kavelin-Popov.

As American Thanksgiving approaches, many will be challenged to be thankful while in a state of grief. One friend was in such despair after the election that she couldn’t even get dressed for days.

It's easy to be thankful in times of joy, when things are going well. and we feel on top of the world. It is even more important from a spiritual perspective to be thankful in adversity, when our minds and hearts are troubled. In fact, gratitude in the midst of pain and confusion is a lifeline for sanity. I remember a day of grief and anxiety years ago as if it was yesterday. I was grieving a loss and was pressured to make some hard decisions, doubting my strength, depleted by low self-confidence amid high responsibility. I walked out onto our east facing deck as the sun was rising, trying to pray, and remembered my own words about the healing power of gratitude.  I counted the many things for which I was grateful starting with the beauty of a gold and crimson sunrise, the sweet scent of pine from the evergreens surrounding our land, the roof over our heads, having work that I love; each friend and family member I treasure, my health, the gift of life itself. As the parade of blessings passed through my mind, my breaths deepened, as did a gently expanding sense of wellbeing. It was like a warm light illuminating a dark space. According to the teachings of Hinduism, gratitude is an essential virtue of a righteous life. It increases patience by helping individuals realize that everything happens at the right time. It enhances trust in the divine plan. The Bhagavat Gita says: “Whatever happened in the past, it happened for the good; Whatever is happening, is happening for the good; Whatever shall happen in the future, shall happen for the good only. Do not weep for the past, do not worry for the future, concentrate on your present life." To focus one’s mind on this very moment, trusting that all is good and for our good, is a profound step into mindfulness and freedom. The Baha’i Teachings say, “Be calm, be strong, be grateful, and become a lamp full of light, that the darkness of sorrows be annihilated, and that the sun of everlasting joy arise…” 1Thessalonians says: “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness… Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” What a powerful invitation and obligation the virtue of Thankfulness is. It is a light bringer, one of the superpowers of our souls to overcome whatever blocks us from knowing how blessed we are.