“Bismillah(In the name of God.)”
On September 21st., as I picked up my phone to put in my handbag, a “Today is World Gratitude Day” flashed on the screen. Since I was in a hurry, I didn’t bother to open the phone and see what it’s all about.
“To be true to oneself is the hardest test of life.” Sri Chinmoy
After work, I decided to look into it because I am always curious to read or hear what people have to say about gratitude. In my research of the World Gratitude Day, I found out World Gratitude Day was created by a spiritual leader and meditation teacher named Sri Chinmoy at a Thanksgiving dinner in the United Nations’ meditation room.
“Even the tiniest of hopes, can show me the way to arrive at my goal.” Sri Chinmoy
How thoughtful was he? He must have been a very caring person to think of how we can all come together on a special day and be thankful. He suggested it to be a global holiday. Everyone at the dinner agreed to celebrate the holiday in their homeland country every year. In 1966, the first annual World Gratitude Day was on September 21, in many countries and from what I understand World Gratitude Day has been celebrated ever since.
“Every day, there is only one thing to learn; how to be honestly happy.” Sri Chinmoy
This is amazing! Considering the fact that this holiday is older than I am and yet, This is the first time that I have heard of it. I believe this is a day that should be celebrated openly, worldwide the same way New Year’s Eve is celebrated with each country sharing how people are being grateful.
“Gratitude can transform our life sooner that anything else.” Sri Chinmoy
How should each country celebrate that special Day?
Since this is a global holiday, each country could focus on a specific situation that had affected the nation and be thankful for the outcome and share plans on how they plan to resolve the issue in the present or the future. Also, the celebration should be more about service, sharing and helping people, nature, animals etc.
Pakistan is facing serious difficulties due to the amount of rain that fell in some part of the country during the summer months. Their Day of Gratitude Theme could have been about the rain that had stopped and the different charity organizations that are in the country helping the affected communities. The government could have encouraged people living in the cities that were not affected to provide some type of help or support to those who are in affected regions.
“Every day, we must try to make at least one person happy.” Sri Chinmoy
Why should we be grateful?
“So remember Me, and I will remember you. And thank Me, and do not be ungrateful.” surah 2 vs. 152
Because the request comes from God!