Theos-Talk Archives (February 1998 Message tl00052)

Here is something that Bruce from theos-world was kind enough to send me.
I thought you all might enjoy this.  The writer is the pseudonym Mr.
B.Hive.

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GREAT
GRATITUDE

TODAY is the day you come to a realisation of what you have got. Not what
you have had, as is usually the perspective, nor what you should choose for
yourself, but rather what of today and this moment you have. The expression
'count your blessings' is to formally set in order, consciously
acknowledging that which you have. It may help to put them in writing and
make of a long list which may be returned to again and again and added to
as more revelations spring to mind. Often we are so busy day to day, that
we have neglected to truly be thankful, and also neglected those finest
resources that we do hold, because we have not been mindful of them or of
the opportunities that we already possess. In the game of chess one is wise
to be defensive, but shall truly manoeuvre correctly by ascertaining the
strengths and the stronghold thereby.
If our personal view is so concentrated upon what we believe to be our
weaknesses, then how shall we develop that which is more worthy of our
consideration? We pay much too much attention to the minor faults and
disregard the major; whilst forgetting to be forever thankful to the Father
for the gifts already given.
One might believe at first that the list will be small indeed. However, in
careful analysis one will find in so many differing ways, that the list is
truly so long that it could never be completed. However attempt is
fruitful. Frankly speaking, we have difficulty in reviewing consciously
much which relates directly to ourselves. And this in exercise is a fine
beginning to such discipline, whilst also is preparatory to the receiving
of greater gifts.
And what exactly do we extract our joy in life from? This being very
individual and so personal to each and every one. When in company with
others, we are drawn to impressions which overall are so set, that we
speculate upon items and conditions that do not necessarily bring much joy
to us at all. One can see a fervour being worked up amongst a group with
excited chatter and much stimulation. But rarely do people share that which
is delicately important to them personally, that which speaks to and from
the heart and its quiet happinesses.
Troubles and grumblings are quick to arise when this subject is broached
from the first. This uprising does quash and negate the motivations which
enable one to carry through with this practice. What may firstly come to
mind is rather the guilt that one has not before 'counted the blessings'
and one might openly exclaim, "Oh, I know that I should be doing this", and
then feel immediately depressed at the thought. Interesting, isn't it? Or
perhaps the answer might be, "Oh, but I do that already!", without
reflecting as to whether one can really have done this enough, if in fact
the blessings have been itemised at all. It is a little like counting one's
money, only far better. There is meagre satisfaction in counting money and
checking to see if it is all there. For if one has more than enough, it
becomes merely an act of counting, and if there is a deficiency it becomes
more of a worry, because of that shortage. To some it appears as a painful
and arduous task. But if we are to receive many gifts in our life, we are
firstly to know and use what we have and secondly to know of our gratitude
for them. By actively doing this our entire outlook does brighten, and a
certain confidence develops within the man, who then stands firmer in the
world. Quite often the remedy to our troubles is there before us and yet
unseen. We are to refine our attitudes and begin in small measures,
seemingly, and find that the results are astounding in respect to future
changes which will be effected, by the enhancement of our personal
perspectives. Also by this, we shall come to know that which we truly
respect and savour in our lives - our primary values, therefore our primary
goals. First purpose and first desires. And commit all others to their
respective places of importance, with thus a clearer perspective, than from
the outset. It is damaging to one's health, inner health of soul and outer
personal condition, to maintain a focus upon certain deficiencies or
longings which are unreconcilable. It is one thing to hold goals and work
for them in a productive and steady enduring manner, but it is quite
different to go about reprimanding, nay cursing, ourselves and our
situations. One may be greatly assisted in the beginning, by actually
vocalising those blessings, loudly pronouncing in detail to oneself or to
another. This is not to suggest boasting of course, but to explain the
concept of the practice of grateful acknowledgment and then to take turns
in such conversation, expressing as many blessings as one can bring forth.
Such an interplay will certainly uplift the mood of the party and also be
far more productive than many an alternative form of conversation! Beware
of opinions and comparisons however! This is not the intent of the
procedure. We must acknowledge that this is very subjective and not open to
conjecture, if it is indeed honest in reproduction. Also, one may never
truly be convinced when bringing to mind our treasured happinesses, this is
not the point. The point is the stimulation in the revealing and the
revelation of overwhelming gratitude which weeps from such vital
stimulation. The very fluids of the spiritual life pour from such
reverential thankfulness.
There may be two types of ecstasy experienced. One is where one consciously
reaches levels of passion and presumes this to be ecstasy in the essential
form. The other is the essential substance, undiluted and pure from passion
- and this is supreme gratitude. The former comes by the enhanced
realisation at the very apex of one's experience of that which is very
personal and sought for and given over to sublime expression of this. The
latter, which may only be reached by ways extraneous to subjective desire,
is the conscious realization of the spirit's grand gratitude to the heavens
and the heavenly Father, to creation, to being, for existence. It is
existence and existence perfected, through a being who has finally
acknowledged most perfectly, through this: the revelation of great and
everlasting gratitude.
This is ecstasy, in her finest form.
This is what was meant by compassion being the complete form of passion. It
is passion which has 'gone the full round' so to speak, and fulfilled
itself outside of itself. Compassion, the complete passion, the passions
completed, is the consequence as distilled thereby, which speaks to us of
that which is outside from our personal strivings, needs, desires and
experiences, and seeks to commune with the great and holy Spirit which is,
and is through us and all.
And the divinity so inspired has one primary experience in the realisation
and acknowledgment of God the Father and of divine creation; that being the
essential and overwhelming great gratitude. One can almost feel it now. So
close. That we might be. That we are now. That we shall endure. That we may
be sustained. To that which sustains. To that which infills our very being.
That our senses are so infilled. That our spirit and our substance is
renewed. That so much is afforded; whilst we in humility, gaze out at the
vastness of all of creation. . . and say, thank you. b.hive