During a discussion in one of my recent workshops on what makes gratitude challenging, a young teacher – whom I will call Brooke – asked, with more than a hint of frustration in her voice, “How can we be grateful when there is so much happening in the world that we should feel sad and angry about?” As I thanked her for her question, I met the pain in her eyes with my own pain about all the atrocities and violence we are witnessing right now, and with initial agreement that gratitude seems to be the least likely response in these times of seemingly needless loss and destruction.
Thanks Kerry - so insightful. One aspect that resonated was contrasting 'being' and 'feeling'.
One thing that came to mind was the contrast of 'being' and 'doing' - a contrast often used in the mindfulness trainings.
And if recalled correctly, the contrast can go the opposite way, eg 'feeling' angry can be a useful adviser, whereas 'being' angry (or 'I am angry' compared to 'I feel angry') can be a debilitating master (or maybe unwanted 'innermost attitude'?).
Thanks for writing directly about this common feeling that so many of us experience as we navigate this broken world. It's an important concept to understand ( and then practice to apply) how to hold gratitude and despair at the same time. But it is possible.
Distinguishing between the feeling and our experience is very helpful
Thank you for writing
What a beautiful response Kerry - so thoughtful and so helpful - and based on science also!
Thank you so much Suzy
Thanks Kerry - so insightful. One aspect that resonated was contrasting 'being' and 'feeling'.
One thing that came to mind was the contrast of 'being' and 'doing' - a contrast often used in the mindfulness trainings.
And if recalled correctly, the contrast can go the opposite way, eg 'feeling' angry can be a useful adviser, whereas 'being' angry (or 'I am angry' compared to 'I feel angry') can be a debilitating master (or maybe unwanted 'innermost attitude'?).
Will share with the climate activist tribe.
Thanks so much John. Yes, that is another interesting way to look at this. Delighted that you are going to share in with your tribe.
Succinct. ‘Being grateful as opposed to feeling grateful.’ Thank you. It helps me align the grief of the world with what I love about the world.
Glad it helped Lou
Great post Kerry. Very good and timely advice ❤️
Thanks for writing directly about this common feeling that so many of us experience as we navigate this broken world. It's an important concept to understand ( and then practice to apply) how to hold gratitude and despair at the same time. But it is possible.
Yes it is indeed possible dear Helene and important to try to practice now more than ever I feel.