Theos-Talk Archives (February 1998 Message tt00081)

I hope this is not too long.
-Bruce


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