Ritual for a Grateful Heart

Adapted from Witch in the Kitchen
by Cait Johnson
Inner Traditions, 2001

This little ritual is a way back to gratitude for what we have, a sweet and simple way to a more peaceful, satisfied heart. And we do mean sweet: it calls for only one ingredient and thats honey! Find out how the golden sweetness of honey can help you focus your attention on gratitude:

Find some time and a comfortable place where you can be quiet and alone. Bring a small jar of honey with you. Sit quietly for a few moments, thinking about one thing in your life that gives you real pleasure. This could be something big -- a lover, friend, companion animal, creative work; or it might be something little -- the beautiful color you painted your bedroom wall, the taste of the soup you had for lunch, the socks with snowflakes on them that you're wearing today, the scent of evergreens in the pitcher on the table beside you. Think or say,

I am grateful for this.

Uncap the honey jar and inhale the rich, sweet fragrance. What an abundance of flowers and bees made this amazing substance! Dip one finger in the honey and place it on your heart-center, in the middle of your chest, while still thinking of the thing that inspired your gratitude. Imagine your heart glowing with golden light, the sweet light of sun and pollen and nectar and bees. Think or say,

The sweetness in my heart shines for the world.

Know that this sweet golden light will attract more gratitude throughout the day. Every time you become aware of the honeys warm stickiness over your heart, give thanks for the pleasure in your life. You may want to repeat this ritual every day for several days, focusing each time on a different source of deep satisfaction. You may be moved to make a bee out of paper (or beeswax) to put on your holiday tree as a reminder of the sweetness of a grateful heart.

Picture found at: http://bees.ucr.edu/images/bee.jpg