A Pledge For Grateful Living
by Brother David Steindl-Rast
[Listen to Audio!]
 In thanksgiving for life, I pledge
to overcome the illusion of entitlement
by reminding myself that everything is gift
and, thus, to live gratefully.
In thanksgiving for life, I pledge
to overcome my greed,
that confuses wants with needs,
by trusting that enough for all our needs is given to us
and to share generously
what i so generously receive.
In thanksgiving for life, I pledge
to overcome apathy
by waking up to the opportunities
that a given moment offers me
and so to respond creatively to every situation.
In thanksgiving for life, I pledge
to overcome violence
by observing that fighting violence by violence
leads to more violence and death
and, thus, to foster life by acting non-violently.
In thanksgiving to life, i pledge
to overcome fear which is the root of all violence
by looking at whatever i fear as an opportunity
and, thus, courageously to lay the foundation
for a peaceful future.
Latest Community Insights  |
A Pledge For Grateful Living
What is a pledge that you are prepared to make in thanksgiving for life? How do you relate to the notion of fear being the root of all violence? Can you share a personal story where gratitude made a big difference in your life? |
| Kristin Pedemonti wrote: Pledge for Thanksgiving I pledge to be Grateful and to share appreciation to all those who have assisted on the journey. To be giving and caring through sharing my gifts and skill set with othe… |
| Amy wrote: Amen, with a capital “A” Kritin! Amen! … |
| Amy wrote: In thanksgiving for life, I pledge to pursue/keep God and His truth #1 in my life. As in doing this, all other GOOD and TRUE gifts flow;) … |
| david doane wrote: My prayer that I say every morning at least is “All that is, animate and inanimate, is one and is sacred, and that includes me. For that I am grateful. And I respect and honor the oneness… |
| Always wrote: In thanksgiving for life, I pledge to better respect and honor myself as God’s son . . . In this, sacred. To acknowledge myself in any other way would be to dishonor my Father in Heaven. … |
| Share/Read Reflections >> |
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Back in 1997, one person started sending this simple “meditation reminder” to a few friends. Soon after, “Wednesdays” started, ServiceSpace blossomed, and the humble experiments of service took a life of its own. If you’d like to start an Awakin gathering in your area, we’d be happy to help you get started.
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Editor’s note: Hey everyone! This week’s newsletter features just three of the many beautiful Thanksgiving stories we received this week. We are grateful that all of you are a part of the KindSpring community and deeply moved by the love and joy you spread in the world. Thank you for everything you do!
Sangha of Auspicious Companions 