Part 4. Gratitude

Take your time (we suggest 1 hour) to process this module, and we recommend finding a partner to do this with. Send us any questions or feedback if you'd like.


~ Reflection ~
Gratitude (4 min video) makes the fabric of community stronger, reinforcing the connections of giving and receiving that weave us together. In fact, gratitude is a gift in itself. How do you think that is? 


~ Learn ~
Sometimes, the best teacher in life is the Earth. Read this excerpt from Robin Wall-Kimmerer, “Returning the Gift.” (5 min)


~ Process ~

• What comes to you as you reflect on this quote from Wall-Kimmerer: "We are honored by the request. It lets us know that we belong." What ideas resonate with you from the reading?

• What do you think is the relationship between reciprocity and gratitude?

• How do you see gratitude and reciprocity manifesting in your stories of giving and receiving? 

~ Practice ~
What are the pleasant or unpleasant sensations that come along with being grateful? What happens when we acknowledge the gifts around us, and within ourselves? Is reciprocity a gift? Explore with this practice (9:25 min).

Or, practice on your own with this prompt: How does expressing gratitude feel? And how does receiving gratitude feel?

Bonus:
Grateful (5 min music video by Empty Hands)