Grateful LivingJuly 06, 2026

Rejoice Always, Never Cease Praying, Render Constant Thanks;
such is God’s Will for You in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16

I first became aware of the amazing impact of living that quote from Brother David Steindl-rast, OSB. That was some 50 years ago. I had the wonderful opportunity to be in his presence for a whole week. He taught me to live from a Grateful Heart and when I am not grateful, I probably will be complaining. I find that to be true, yet Gratefulness has allowed me to experience the power of the Gospel of Love.

Brother David is turning 100 on July 12th. His Community “Grateful Living” organized a 100 Day meditation practice of which I am participating that will end on the 12th. What a gift and joy! And so I am sharing words that have inspired me from Brother David.

We cannot be grateful unless we are grounded in the present moment, and we cannot be grounded in the present moment unless we are grounded in our body. Much of the time we live like disembodied minds, not even noticing what is around us, but we are preoccupied with the past and future. But when a mug of tea warms first our hands and then our stomach on a cold day, or the cat purrs contentedly in our lap, we are suddenly present and grateful.

We can learn to cultivate the joy of this awareness, it it may not always be easy. Lots of life experiences can make it a challenge to accept this embodiment. And yet, bringing ourselves back into the body again and again is central to the practice of grateful living. When we do so, we allow healing power to flow through us, and we appreciate our aliveness as the great gift it is. Brother David Steindl-rast, OSB

May Gratitude have its way in our lives today and everyday!
Happy 100th Birthday Brother David!

Sister Ann Winters