Embracing Thankfulness in the Gentle Teaching Community
Greetings, Gentle Teaching community!
Over a year ago, I embarked on a personal blogging journey, fueled by a desire to share daily reflections on the profound moments of heroism I encountered in the world around me. The initial commitment to a post each day proved to be both rewarding and challenging. Although the frequency waned over time, the essence of my musings, centered on acknowledging the unsung heroes encountered in everyday life, has remained a constant theme in my thoughts.
It is with a sense of urgency that I address what I believe is a prevailing “thanklessness epidemic.” While expressions of gratitude are common, I question whether they often extend beyond mere politeness or societal expectations. True thankfulness, the kind that resonates deeply and meaningfully, seems to be in short supply.
Thankfulness, or the lack thereof, is intricately linked to our ability to find contentment. When we fail to express gratitude, we not only deny others the acknowledgment they deserve, but we also deceive ourselves into thinking we could have managed without their contributions. As JD Greer aptly puts it, thanklessness is akin to plagiarism, robbing others of credit while deluding ourselves and those around us.
In the Gentle Teaching community, we often refer to the four pillars that form the foundation of our approach: to be SAFE, to be LOVED, to become more LOVING, and to become more ENGAGED. These pillars are integral to the establishment and sustenance of meaningful relationships. One powerful way to fortify these pillars is by cultivating genuine thankfulness.
Teaching thankfulness is not an imposition or indoctrination; rather, it is a bold expression of appreciation. In embracing and expressing gratitude through both words and actions, we contribute to an environment where individuals feel safe, loved, and valued. Genuine appreciation fosters a deeper connection between individuals and serves as a catalyst for building healthy relationships.
Personally, I’ve experienced the transformative power of genuine gratitude. When someone authentically appreciates my actions, I feel a heightened connection and value. By consistently practicing thankfulness within the Gentle Teaching framework, we not only strengthen our relationships with those we serve but also set an example for others to follow. We say, “Come, follow me. Do this. This is good and right.”
I invite you to share your stories of thankfulness. Whether it’s a person you’ve noticed or a moment where gratitude touched your life, I’d love to hear from you. Please send your stories to ben@creativeoptionsregina.ca.
Ben
Director of Culture and Mentorship
