An Abecedarium of Gratitude

You may have seen the old-fashioned, often needle-pointed wall hangings that list things like herbs, with one item starting with each letter of the alphabet (anise, basil, cumin, etc.).  These lists are known as abecedaria, a wonderful word that dates to around 1,000 BC.

Listing items alphabetically by first letter is a wonderful way to practice gratitude meditation:  you can build your very own, in-the-moment abecedarium of gratitude.

Before starting, we suggest setting an intention to have fun with the exercise, to let the items that inspire gratitude arise spontaneously, without any judgement or editing.  This is your list, after all, and it’s merely meant to serve as a joy-filled reminder of the many and varied delights in our everyday lives.

A - apple?  Absolutely, if that is what comes to heart in the moment.  Or also American cheese if you happen to have a fond childhood memory built on American cheese.

B - blue skies?  Beyond a doubt, if that arises for you.  Or maybe today it’s a bath mat that arises, as you realize how many times a bath mat has kept you from sliding on the floor after a shower.

C - caring friends?  Can’t argue with that, if that’s what arises for you.  Or maybe it’s cookie dough ice cream, or the sound of crickets, or the cozy sweater waiting for you when the weather turns cooler.

D - your loyal dog?  Definitely, if that’s what arises for you.  Or maybe it’s the dinosaur at the Natural History Museum, or dance music, or dimples or donuts…. Oh the joy of donuts!

You get the picture.  Inviting you this week to create your own in-the-moment abecedarium of gratitude, and to have fun and be as silly and spontaneous as you wish while you do it.

And please know that we are immensely, unabashedly, gleefully grateful for You.

May all beings everywhere, without exception, take delight in recognizing all that brings us joy in our lives,

Your CMP family

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In these challenging times, your support is more important than ever. As a nonprofit, we can’t cancel our needs to fundraise. We need your donations to continue offering meditation sessions.CMP is a licensed charity in the state of CT as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Checks can be mailed to Community Mindfulness Project, P.O. Box 1713, New Canaan, CT 06840. Credit cards are accepted at www.CommunityMindfulnessProject.org. Thank you!