Recognise The Tipping Point: Anant G Nadkarni

    At a healing session, the facilitator was explaining the importance of developing an attitude of gratitude by saying that: ‘Just for today let us all be grateful’. At first it seemed simple and appropriate, but deeper meanings unfolded as time passed by. A lot of work in emotional management is based on affirming an intention or a wish with immense faith, positive thinking and so on to create a sphere of an appreciative attitude and an overall space of abundance. It begins with dealing with an issue rather than actually resolving it. Specifically, the practice of being grateful is routed into realising the value of what is ‘already’ there – in material terms and also in its existential flavour. 

    On the other hand, one has to also look at issues, damaging incidents which occurred in the past, longterm strained relationships and other, perhaps tougher, problems. All these sometimes holds one into the more trivial pursuit of getting to that which is yet not there or setting a thing right that seems to be going wrong. Of course, that would include suffering of sorts, possible lack of peace and spiritual pursuit as well. This process operates more in a domain of fulfilling necessities or felt-needs for things one apparently does not have. It may be further assumed that there is a journey that could take one towards something better. 

    Psychoanalysis and various forms of emotional-management tools often dwell in the realms of what is not there or what ought to be there in the future. This may help to initially get issues to surface, find some clarity, create awareness, influence a change or make some kind of difference. 

    This process needs to be taken farther and developed, to help us realise and cultivate a practice such as gratitude from even the small things we receive to enable us to surmount much bigger difficulties – by constantly heightening our ability to be with what is ‘already’ there. In the final analysis, whether it is called a breakthrough, contentment, enlightenment, moksha or nirvana, it is all about That which ‘already and always’ exists! 

    Sigmund Freud believed that the ‘ego’ was the first illusion in identity that built other illusions. When Sri Ramana Maharshi was requested for blessings or grace he used to say that grace was ‘always’ there and one should rather bring one’s attention out from the realm of a ‘search for what is not there’ towards the more ‘already and always’. Early oriental practice of affirming ‘I am That (already)’ is an example of remaining in what is available. Or, a process of enquiry (generally as in “Who am i”?) was used to do the same shift. On someone referring to his suffering, Sri Ramana kept the issue of suffering aside and asked rather awkwardly, “find out for whom is that suffering?” 

    Once a problem is clearly identified and it surfaces through various techniques, the challenge seems to be more one of helping one let go those realms (rather than remain there, try to heal or solve something). The tipping point is to know when to shift into another habitual realm like in “just for today being grateful” for what one receives to create the much desired happiness out of life ‘already’ there. And then perhaps one may gradually scale higher levels in the continuum of consciousness and realise that what is ‘already’ there was also ‘always’ present! (The writer champions corporate sustainability). 
    anantg.nadkarni@gmail.com 

My View:

Being grateful is the most important virtue available to mankind. It is simple law of physics... what you give, you receive in equal magnitude. You give gratitude, appreciation, thankfulness to every big and small thing of your life, they will also show their appreciation to you. I never forget someone who has appreciated me, and look for every opportunity to thank him. I think same thing happens with everyone/ everything/ everywhere... universally for all living and inanimate things.. This is law!

Being grateful can help one achieve greatest heights imaginable, keeps you happy, keeps everyone around you happy, you never fail to succeed, have every solutions to every problems.

I tried a small exercise for 30 days. I tried to think of 10 things which I am really grateful for. Look for good things in every setback of life, every strained relations, every bad situation. And believe me, that exercise changed me and my life forever!! Just give it a try and you will realize how beautiful your life is, how lucky you are and on another plane, just see the Magic unfold!

Gratitude is a single simplest way to make your life magical!

Love the last paragraph and especially the last line, "And then perhaps one may gradually scale higher levels in the continuum of consciousness and realise that what is ‘already’ there was also ‘always’ present! 

Thank You Mr. Nadkarni for this wonderful piece of essay :)