Elliott S.  Dacher M.D.

I’m mostly grateful for the human capacity to experience gratefulness. As far as I know there are no other beings that can experience this emotion the same as we humans do, and its so wondrous.Why, because when I feel grateful the world slows down, my mind clears, my heart opens and I feel in-love with everything. It is sort of like seeing my beloved everywhere. Isn’t that the way it should always be? That’s how it seems at the time. But it is not always that way, not even often that way.Gratitude can some times be a bit scarce in my life, and when it is life is not as sweet, as pure, as simple and as joyful. It seems that gratefulness is not something I can do. At times is seems to arise spontaneously. At other times it arises when I’m confronted with great difficulties and the simple beauty of life is suddenly and intensely appreciated.I think the world seen from the perspective of gratitude is the real world. I sense the other is made up in my mind, like a bad night dream. So I think I need to practice gratitude and make it a mental “habit” in each and every moment until it once again becomes my natural way of experiencing life. In this moment I can experience gratitude for the friend that offered the opportunity for this contemplation, the folks who made the computer I am using to write this, the carpenters that built this house, and the farmer that provided my last meal and the next one as well.So I am grateful for being able to be grateful. What would the world be if not for gratitude?grateful at 65

Susan Ann DarleyThe mystery of life revealed through innocence.  I love this picture of my dog Willy and grandson Jake.  I just know they are sharing something really sweet and perhaps even profound.  When I look at them I am reminded of the power in becoming quiet, sharing and listening. Perhaps they are asking, “Why do big people complicate life?”  Why do I?  They remind me that gratitude fills my heart with wonder and awe. And that it’s in the simplicity of life that I’ll find my peace. Thank you Jake and Willy!grateful at 61