The Grateful Soul: The Art And Practice Of Gratitude (Expansion)

I simply adore a well-edited anthology. For me, it is a one-stop shop where I can experience a variety of writers and discover new thoughts and ideas. It’s like going to the candy store and sampling all the sweet treats - a delight to the senses.The Grateful Soul is just that sort of work and has been released at a time when all of us can benefit from a story we can connect to on a deeper level. We often forget, in our daily battle against the drudgery of life and our inner critic, that a little gratitude goes a long way. The cure: perspective. There is much to be gained by taking five minutes to read another’s story and be reminded of life’s simple pleasures...a kind smile, a heart filled with love and grace, a soft touch, an ear to listen, or a blessing spoken over one in need.One author, who I simply adore, is Kathryn Eriksen. Her style speaks to my soul. Reading her words transports me to the very scene she describes: I can see it, hear it, feel it, smell it, and taste it. It’s as if I am having a conversation with a dear friend and we are reliving a shared experience. Her work is most enjoyably consumed with a warm beverage while lounging in a comfy chair - as you feel as though she is right next to you...soul to soul...sharing a piece of her world.This book also brought a new author into my world, Donna Kiel. She shares her relationship with her mother in a way that spoke to me on many levels. It never ceases to amaze me that the universe brings into my awareness another spiritual being with similar experience and shared insight. It serves to remind me that we are never alone...we are truly and deeply connected through love and gratitude.This is one of those get a copy and give a copy books.

I downloaded this two days ago with the intention of savoring each sweet chapter daily - as if working in a devotional or meditation guide.Instead, I devoured it.An hour by the pool. Another hour in a bubble bath. Another hour this morning with my coffee....by the pool. (Water and gratitude are a good match, it seems.)Each chapter is someone's memory....experience...life lesson on giving thanks and living in a spirit of grace and gratitude. Mini-morsels of wisdom that you can taste - feel - touch - hear - smell - and each inspiring us to live in a place of perpetual appreciation. Shared vulnerably by each author, hearts wide open, this lovely collection encourages us to live in thanksgiving for the things that bring us joy....and those that don't.Each essay is as unique and diverse as its author. Some will find it a 'how-to' guide with tangible application and behavioral change suggestions. Others are lessons from the soul, usually discovered through pain and trauma, with a deep discovery of one's self in overcoming and emerging triumphant. Others are sheer cookies of delight - reflections on grandparents and siblings and those who come into and change our lives for the better.I am going to start reading it again tomorrow.....but slowly.....to savor and drink it in....bookmarking those specific stories that I can personally explore further....journalling and reflecting on the things I am grateful for....digging deep and living more wholly in appreciation. That's tomorrow.Today, I'm going to practice a little more gratitude. To every single author of this book - who so lovingly shared some of their most intimate moments with us. -- THANK YOU. I am inspired to live with more gratitude and thanksgiving in my life.

This is a book of essays that provides the tools and inspiration to cultivate gratitude on a daily basis."There are many ways to bake a chocolate cake." The same is evidenced in the essays included in The Grateful Soul that reveal the many ways to cultivate gratitude. Some essays give you the "how to", other essays give examples of "Aha" or cathartic moments in a person's life, the best for me are the essays written by people who tell how they live their lives mindfully practicing gratitude and the benefits they enjoy from their mindfulness.Best said with a quote from Melody Beattie included in the book. "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order. confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend." Knowing these are the benefits of practicing gratitude, why would you not?My recommendation is to buy and keep a copy of this book on your nightstand. Bookmark the essays that inspire you most. Read them again and again. Keeping this reference close by will remind you to maintain your gratitude practice and why you should do so.

During trials and tribulations it is often hard to find gratitude or remain in a grateful state. In reading this book, it’s become clear to me that Gratitude is just that, an attitude that we need to have and try to have at all times, thankful for moments, people and memories. These authors have opened my eyes and through the intimate and vulnerable moments they shared with us, Ive been able to find peace within for my own grief I had been struggling with. Author Rose Bourassa spoke of signs being sent to her from her son who is flying with the angels. It is then when I realized all the signs my dad was sending to me that I needed to be pay attention to and be grateful for. My favorite thing in this book is a statement by Rose Bourassa “I am a soul in human form with lessons to learn, among them gratitude, thankfulness and love”.

What could be more appropriate during this time of Pandemic, than a book on gratitude. Thank you to all the authors, my daughter Vanessa Plimley included, who have contributed their wisdom and life experience to making this book possible. Waking to thoughts of gratitude means we can have another meaningful day on our life’s journey…..a day filled with hope and peace.Marlene Coram, retired Occupational Health Nurse, Vancouver Island.22 yr. yoga practitioner, spiritual follower and grateful soul

What stands out for me with this book is how enjoyable and nourishing it is to read. Because of the format of having many authors collaborate together, it offers a very nice variety of perspectives and personal heartfelt accounts of how each author has related to the power of gratitude in their lives. I never found myself bored with reading it. It is a very nice little gem that reminds us of the universality of our struggles and how we can each draw upon the power of gratitude to acknowledge the silver lining that is always present in our lives, even when things seem most bleak.

Beautiful collection of heartfelt genuine stories to connect us with and to remind us of this precious gift called life and how much we have to be grateful for. It couldn't have come at a better time, when we are really needing to connect our hearts together and let go of that which separates us. Highly recommend it as a bedside table book, one inspiring short story a day can make a difference to your day and to your life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found starting with the very first chapter by Allison Voth the tone was set for meaningful and inspirational stories - each one being completely unique, interesting and well-written. I definitely plan on purchasing more copies to give to my friends.

Thoroughly enjoyed the short stories from the author’s on their reflections of gratitude. Truly an uplifting read, especially during the challenges being experienced during COVID-19. Calming to know that so many people can find many reasons to be grateful while experience difficulty in life’s curves.