A Time for Gratitude — Starting with You
Nov. 21, 2024
By Mark David
As we enter the holiday season, I invite you to take a moment and reflect—not just on the people and experiences you are grateful for, but on you. This simple practice, using the MDC system, is a way to honor yourself, your life, and the energy you bring to the world every single day. Over the next few weeks, I encourage you to dedicate 10 minutes each day to this practice. It will be a gift of gratitude to yourself that pays you back in ways you may not even expect.
Shut Down
The first step in this practice is to “shut down.” In our fast-paced world, we’re constantly pulled in a thousand directions. To truly connect with yourself, you need to create the space to do so.
Find a time and place where you can step away from your daily activities—no distractions, no electronics. Whether you can plan for this moment in advance or you need to take a spontaneous break, remember this is just 10 minutes out of the 1,440 minutes that make up your day. You’re worth the time.
Knowing
Once you’re in a quiet space, take a deep breath and consciously know your worth. Thank yourself for all the roles you play and the energy you give to the world. Acknowledge that through your presence, you provide safety, security, confidence, love, and inspiration. Reflect on the future you’re helping to create—not just for others, but for yourself as well.
This awareness may feel subtle, but it’s powerful. It takes immense energy to show up for others in meaningful ways. Think of this knowing as an electric plug you are connecting to an infinite source of energy. By tuning into this vast energy field, you’ll recharge yourself with the gratitude you deserve. The more you honor who you are, how you show up, and the unconditional love you give, the more aligned you will feel with the universal energy field that supports you.
Imagine, as you bask in this knowing, that the warmth of the sun is shining directly on you— radiating energy, light, and beauty. Let yourself be enveloped by it. For 10 minutes a day,
throughout this Thanksgiving season, allow yourself to soak in this warmth. Your body will thank you, and your spirit will grow stronger.
Be Patient
As you begin this practice, choose a time of the day that works for you. Let yourself settle into that present moment. There’s no rush, no agenda, and no one else to attend to. This is your time. Allow your body to relax, your mind to soften, and give yourself permission to simply be.
With your eyes closed and a smile on your face, visualize the people in your life—the ones you care for and support. See them thriving in the life you’re helping to create. Feel the love you’ve sent out into the world return to you, multiplied. It may feel a bit unfamiliar at first—awkward even. But with patience, I promise that by day three, this practice will feel more natural, and you will look forward to it.
Achieve Silence
The final step is perhaps the most profound: achieving silence. As you smile deeply within, let go of any thoughts or emotions that arise. Enter into a state of stillness, free of mental chatter. This silence is not empty—on the contrary, it is the space where clarity, creativity, and profound insight emerge. In the quiet, you will reconnect with your true self.
This is the essence that allows you to return to your inner center. Even if it’s just for a minute or two, the benefits are powerful. When you tap into this deep silence, you will experience an uplift in energy, greater clarity, improved decision-making, and a more sustained sense of happiness.
A Holiday Gift to Yourself
If you can embrace these four simple steps—Shut Down, Knowing, Patience, and Silence—you will be giving yourself an early holiday gift. Through this practice, you will not only feel more connected to yourself, but you’ll also deepen your sense of gratitude for all the goodness you bring into the world. Your life, your relationships, and your work will be enhanced by the energy you cultivate through this practice.
Thank you for being part of my journey. If I can ever support you, or anyone in your life, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Appreciate the Day,
Mark David
