Rabbi
Simcha Weinstein, a
Mayanot Men's program alum and current Chabad House shliach of the Pratt
Community Synagogue in Brooklyn, has shared this beautiful idea about Gratitude
that we can all benefit from. May we continue to gain strength and wisdom from
our students and from our students students!
The
Hebrew word for gratitude is hakarat hatov which means recognizing the goodness
in your life. Search for the gifts and you will find them everywhere.
1. Focus
on the moments. Too often we focus on the past or worry about the future and
don’t notice the moment we are being given right now. Life is really only
happening in the present; don’t miss out on seeing the precious beauty and
miracles that are right in front of you.
2. Think
of the people you are grateful for. We are so busy with our work and to-do
lists that we frequently overlook the gift of the people who we love. It is all
too easy to feel distant from the strength and depth of the love of our
families because we are so used to their presence in our lives. Every day take
a moment to think of the gift of the people in your life – your spouse,
friends, parents, children, siblings, colleagues. Cherish that connection and
think about how it nurtures and supports you.
3. Remember
a time you experienced Divine providence in your life. We can all think of
times of Divine providence when we felt God winking at us. Maybe you
unexpectedly met someone who is now an important part of your life. Maybe it
was a moment that led to a new job or a hobby that you love.
4. Keep a
gratitude journal. Write down the simple, little things that you can be
grateful for each day. A hot cup of coffee. A beautiful sunrise. A child’s
smile. Jot down at least three things each day that you appreciate.
5. Write
gratitude letters. Compose a letter or email at least one a month to someone
who has helped you or inspired you. Thank them for the blessing that they
brought into your life. It is even better if you send the letter but even just
writing it can concretize the sense of gratitude that you have for that
person’s contribution to your life.
6. Appreciate
your health. Take a moment each day to thank God for the gift of your body and
each of your senses. Your sight, your hearing, your ability to speak and walk
and smell are all priceless gifts. Don’t take them for granted. Cherish them.
--Rabbi Simcha
& Ariella Weinstein
