Is there a method for cultivating mindfulness?

The one we may choose is gratefulness, which can be practiced, cultivated, learned. And as we grow in gratefulness, we grow in mindfulness. With our waking thoughts and prayers, as our eyes greet the morning, we may remind ourselves that we have eyes to see while millions of our human brothers and sisters are blind in their literal sight — and billions in their spiritual sight. When we then open our eyes with this thought, chances are that we will be more grateful for the gift of sight and more alert to the needs of those who lack that gift.

Before turning off the light in the evening, we may jot down one thing for which we never before have given grateful thanksgiving. One of the Lord’s dear ones has done this for years, and testifies that the supply still seems inexhaustible. Gratefulness brings joy to life. Once we stop “taking for granted,” there is no end to the surprises and delight we may find. A grateful attitude is a creative one, and a giving one, because, in the final analysis, opportunity is the gift within the gift of every moment — the opportunity to see and hear and smell and touch and taste with pleasure. Everything is a gift. Grateful living is a celebration of these gifts. There is no more joyful bond than the one that gratefulness celebrates, the bond between our Heavenly Father, the giver, and we, the thanksgivers.

St. Paul assured his beloved brethren in Corinth that thanksgiving leads to liberality and sharing of God’s gifts, concluding his thoughts with: “Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

— Adapted, David Steindl-Rast,“Before Turning out the Lights”

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