Gratitude is one of those noble concepts that we read about, know that we should practice and is really tough to master. Most people don't take the time to climb a mountain, become a monk, contemplate the universe and be grateful for everything we have. I would submit that a Tibetan mountain is not required and starting small in our expression of gratefulness is how the practice is begun. Doses each day can break an embittered heart, just as water droplets can eventually spit a stone. Today's inquiry is taking this issue a level deeper and not just asking what you are grateful for, but ensuring you are aware of your practice and recognize your process of gratitude. Self-awareness is a big step to understanding ourselves and how we interact with the world. Our internal processes, much like a computer operating system, run behind the scenes and manage our daily thoughts and emotions. It is critical to install proper updates and virus software for our computer; therefore think of how much more important it is for our lives. 2016 is my year to evaluate my operating system and make some changes; gratitude is one of those areas that is weak and needs to hit the gym. I am oblivious most often and realize that most of my problems are truly “First World” problems. I need to usher in a change and be guilty of "First World" gratitude.

How do you practice gratitude? How did you cultivate this practice? What prompted you to adopt this practice? Is your practice limited to a particular area of your life and need to be expanded to other areas? What is the hardest area to practice gratitude? Who provides a compelling example of gratefulness?