The relationship between thankfulness and the spiritual search occurred to me one day after an incident at work. As part of our staff training, we formed a “gauntlet of praise.” Each staff member closed their eyes and was walked past their co-workers. Each co-worker whispered one word of praise to the walker. One woman was unable to say a compliment. After trying and becoming agitated, she said, “I can’t do this,” and stepped away.
How do we interpret this? I say she would not give a compliment because that meant putting herself below another. That meant she was inferior to another. Her sense of self-importance, her ego, was too large to allow another person equal position.
Each time we sincerely give thanks, it is an admission that we are not the center of the Universe. It is recognition of our insignificance in the world. Giving thanks signifies wisdom.
Each time we give thanks, it kills a bit of our ego – it lessons our illusion of self-will. Yet, we don’t stop moving. We keep searching even though we increasingly see how little in control we are. We slowly become the humble, egoless vector of which Mr. Rose spoke. The humble, egoless vector follows its destiny – it is unstoppable
The warrior has years of training and tremendous skill, yet is thankful for each victory. With his strength he admits his powerlessness. This is the magic of achievement. Quietly acknowledge the fortune in your life. Let each word of thanks loosen your grip on life. With each small victory and each word of thanks, leave some of the self-will and be guided by Truth.