Links in a chain

I often refer to gratitude as a gateway drug to the other positive feelings but the door swings both ways. Wanting the best for ourselves and others (compassion) opens a door to a positive space, it makes us act more kindly towards ourselves and others. That in turn, lets us see the good in our lives (gratitude).

The easiest way to build gratitude is to make it a continuous process--be grateful for the everyday moments--not just the big stuff. Even on the lousiest days there is something to be grateful for--hot water for a shower, a cup of tea, clean clothes, food....

One fun way to increase gratitude is during a walk (with the dog, from the car to the store, from the bedroom to the kitchen—any walk will do) --look around you and everything that makes you smile be grateful for it. If it’s a walk with the dog be grateful for: the leash on the dog, the dog's excitement at getting outside, the fallen leaves, the chill in the air, your warm sweater etc... You can also try it as you prepare a meal-- be grateful for the knife to cut the vegetables, be grateful to the farmer who grew them, be grateful for the stove that will cook them, be grateful for your cooking skill etc. Turn everyday tasks into opportunities for gratitude. Over time it becomes a way of life.  

When we are grateful as a way of being we become more open to other positive attributes--they seem to arise spontaneously. We are happier and we appreciate it (gratitude) and then we want the same for others (compassion), We start acting with more kindness, generosity, forgiveness, love etc. We see others as suffering and not as being difficult, mean, annoying, competitive, negative etc. That changes our approach to them (the beginning of wisdom--compassion's twin) and that in turn changes our interactions with them.  

Doing any meditation practice that focusses on positive emotions—gratitude, joy, forgiveness, compassion opens us to the others. So just pick the one(s) you like—they all lead to being a kinder and more generous human being.