Gratitude
I have started this blog in part to discuss how we can integrate our spiritual principles into the workplace. How we can bring our mindful, calm self into each interaction we have in our jobs. It may seem that we can only control ourselves, but often our thoughts and actions create an energy that is picked up by others, who can then respond in kind. One of the most common themes in various workplaces is that many employees do not feel valued by their employers. In the non-profit sector where I work, we give out our energy continuously for small remuneration. We do not choose this work for the money, we do it to make a difference for others. All they ask for is to maybe, sometimes, be thanked... Yes, it's nice when clients or other colleagues thank us , but it matters even more when it comes from our supervisors. I don't think the failure to express gratitude is a purposeful, malicious act.. I do think it is due to a lack of understanding of how important it is.
A phenomenon about gratitude is that when you express it sincerely for something in your own life you are grateful for, or when you give it to others, you are creating a high vibration that makes it more possible for you to receive in return.
I recently hosted a staff holiday gathering and brought little handwritten thank you/holiday cards and tiny packs of gum with the phrase "You are Beautiful. Don't Change." written on each one. I did not expect anything in return, (as I had come to accept over the years). Before the party, a funny thing happened. One of the staff had emailed me to say that her church wanted to pay for all eight of us to enjoy lunch, as an expression of their gratitude to the work that people like us do in the community. And then at the party another staff person showed up with Christmas cookies she had baked. Another brought some trivia cards (as conversation starters). And we all enjoyed a hearty lunch of Thai vegetables, noodles and rice with cookies and mints for dessert.
When freely given, gratitude can be freely received.