David Vollbracht

Earlier I referenced Annie’s gratitude experiment. At the time I thought I’d be able to reliably hit it every day for 30 days to practice gratitude, but in the end I think I got about 26 days in (which I feel really good about). I’d just like to share a couple of thoughts from reflecting on this experiment.

• I’ve become more aware of my gratitude. I notice it more often and have a better sense of what the experience is like.
• I’ve become more active in sharing my gratitude. I think that is a win both for myself and those around me.
• I simply more grateful and grateful for more things.

So thank you, Annie. You have my gratitude and respect. You stepped up to this commitment and it was a honor to stand there beside you as best I could. You’ve enriched my own daily practice quite a bit and that means something to me.

As a close to this experiment, I like to share my gratitude for two friends that I feel especially grateful for at this moment. Their names are Philippe and Zak, and they are two guys that I’m truly lucky to have in my life right now. Thank you.

To those who have died in the course of military service,

May I be a vessel of remembrance to you, carrying your hopes and dreams into the future.

May I learn from your sacrifice to love all beings, friends and enemies alike.

May I be witness to the sorrow of your death without flinching or shying away.

And may I be a celebration of your life so a small piece of it remains alive in me.

I offer my gratitude, respect, and love in honor of you, and will seek to be awake each moment of life so that the gifts you have given will not be squandered.