In last week’s blog, I wrote about Spiritual Building Blocks – the essential concepts that are the foundation of any spiritual practice. They include letting go and trusting the universe; choosing love over fear; being fully present in the moment; and avoiding comparing yourself to other people.

If those “building blocks” are currently part of your everyday existence, take a minute to pat yourself on the back! You’ve already made significant progress on your spiritual journey.

But there’s more to consider. You can’t build a whole spiritual foundation in one day (or one blog). There are other spiritual teachings that will let even more light into your life, and help you navigate your true path.

I don’t think it will come as a surprise to you that Gratitude is on the top of that list.

Meister Eckhart summed things up when he said, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”

If you Google “benefits of gratitude,” you’ll see almost 90,000,000 results. WOW! Now, there aren’t 90 million benefits- just 90 million references to gratitude online. But the benefits encompass everything in your life.

Making it a habit to incorporate gratitude onto every day will make you feel better physically, emotionally and spiritually. Expressing thanks to the people in your life will draw them closer to you, and make them happy to be in your presence. And of course, by focusing on the positive things in your life, you’ll activate the power of attraction and become a magnet for health, happiness, and success.

Consciously expressing gratitude is a wonderful habit to get into. Make it a point to think of something to be grateful for when you wake up every morning, or list the good things that happened at the end of each day. Start a gratitude journal, regularly share positive thoughts on social media or to a friend or significant other, or silently say “thank you” whenever you notice something positive. It’s that easy to begin your own Gratitude Practice – and I promise, it will cast a warm glow that makes everything and everyone better.

Gratitude Vortex Exercise

Imagine a swirling circle of light with beautiful colors, all blending into one another. Picture the colors, the green of the heart chakra, the deep indigo of the intuitive third eye, the beautiful violet of the crown chakra

As you watch, the colors continue to blend and expand in a stunning kaleidoscope.

Now picture the people in your life and your pets, and think of the things you look forward to doing in the upcoming day – spending time with friends and family, exercising, playing with pets, enjoying a cup of tea, meditating, learning something new. As you create each happy image in your mind, say a silent thank you.

Imagine these positive events becoming part of your swirling circle of light. Realize that they are infinite – they will always be with you – they are a part of your energy field.

Now imagine this beautiful swirl of colors surrounding you as you go about your day. As you connect with other people, they too are surrounded by this field of light, love, and gratitude. The beautiful energy grows and expands.

Now imagine your dreams, goals, everything you want in your life. Picture them becoming part of your beautiful gratitude vortex.

Give thanks for what you have, and for the infinite gifts the universe has in store for you.

However you choose to say thanks for the good things in your life, I urge you to make a commitment to practicing it daily. Starting and ending each day looking and acknowledging the bright spots will help you live in the “gratitude vortex” and that’s a beautiful place to be!

Want to share what you’re grateful for? Go to my JVP Community Facebook Page and look for my Gratitude post – then add your favorite things in the comments. Together, let’s light up Facebook with gratitude.