In this article, we explore how to practice gratitude in 2022 with Dr. Bhatta. He takes joy in sharing what he has learned and earnestly hopes to further the spiritual discoveries of generations to come.

There is an old saying that states, “Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery; but today is a gift, which is why it is called ‘the present.’”

The saying has recently been quoted in children’s movies and even in a Justin Timberlake song. It expresses a universal idea, yet for many of us, gratitude does not come easily. Today may not feel like a gift, but rather a series of obligations, stresses, and tragedies. When we sit back and try to be grateful — be it at church or perhaps on our yoga mat — we assume that it must be an intellectual concept; something that can be learned or internalized with the right mantra, prayer, or yoga pose. Perhaps, even, if we just say “thank you” enough times.

True gratitude, however, exists outside of the mind. To release it, to allow it to flow from our inner selves, we must learn to silence the mind for at least a short period of time, meaning that we must regularly — and intermittently — find a place of peace.

How to Practice Gratitude in 2022

First, sit down in a comfortable, supported position. Take note of reality, whatever that means where you are, but know that you are safe. Now, sit up straight from your lower back or your sacrum, arms soft and heavy. Your feet may touch the floor, or they may be curled up underneath you, or you may lie flat. The important thing is to remain alert.

Next, close your eyes, but maintain your awareness. Observe your physical feelings.

Focus on your breath, appreciating both its relaxed flow, and how it takes in oxygen and expels impurities. Imagine you are in a peaceful, quiet place surrounded by nature: trees, sunlight, color.

Notice a stream nearby. This represents your consciousness. Watch every invention, every note of music, and creativity of the real-world flow past, alongside all of the thoughts and emotions that fill your mind and heart each day. Don’t interrupt these thoughts and emotions, but observe that they are actually in harmony and balance outside of the context of the physical world.

Then, focus on your inner self — a place of warmth even greater than the sun — that now warms your face. This great warmth is expanding from your core, emanating from your inner flame, in fact. The flame is eternal. Allow it to both fill you and surround you.

Now that you have learned to observe your thoughts, begin to open your mind by placing a table next to the stream. Place every triumph and every failure on that table, as well as everything that you have done, and might have done but did not. Here you should be conscious of your body, your mind, and your inner flame, as well as their connectivity. These elements form your existential flow. Remain calm and relaxed, limbs heavy, as you bask in gratitude for everything that you are and everything that is you.

Now, imagine a bonfire beside the table and begin to clear its surface. Let everything that you placed upon the table burn in the flames. Give up every possession, every triumph, every failure, and every emotion. Finally, give your ego to the fire, if you can. Notice how much lighter you are having let go of it, as though you could suddenly soar to new heights.

When the fire dies out, you may put away the table. You should now be alone with the stream, with your consciousness. Your heart should be filled with gratitude. Spend 30 seconds or so alone next to the stream, if only to notice that it has never stopped flowing—nor will it stop when you return to your physical reality.

Finally, return to the present, to the room where you began your journey. Slowly and gently open your eyes. Recognize the walls, the furniture, the ceiling, the doors, and the windows, but maintain your awareness of the inner flame. It was with you before, but now that you are aware of its presence, you may feel it and carry it with you wherever you go.

About Dr. Krishna Bhatta

Krishna Bhatta is an author, surgeon, and inventor, currently practicing as chief of urology at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, Maine. Dr. Bhatta began his life in a small Indian village, attended Patna Medical College in India, and continued his education in the U.K. He completed his research and medical training at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston before settling down in Maine. Dr. Bhatta takes joy in sharing what he has learned and earnestly hopes to further the spiritual discoveries of generations to come. He dreams of a world where eastern wisdom and western discoveries embrace each other to make the world a better place.

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About Relaxx App

Relaxx's goal is to bring material change to the people of the world by connecting their inner flame with their daily routine. With tools, techniques, content, and an application, we can affect change in people's lives immediately, helping companies and families around the world; the world needs us more than ever Dr. Krishna Bhatta is the founder of Relaxx App. The app has a number of great features including mindfulness, intermittent silence, and meditation to help people sleep, relax, prevent stress and burnout, stay calm, and become more in tune with nature. Relaxx’s vision is to become the world's destination for mindfulness, intermittent silence™, meditation, and consciousness. In reality, that translates to being the world's destination for wellness. It's a portable guru, a portable peace and positivity companion.

The Relaxx app is available for both Apple and Android devices. Find out more about the Relaxx app here.