QuoteProject
As I express my gratitude, I become more deeply aware of it. And the greater my awareness, the greater my need to express it. What happens here is a spiraling ascent, a process of growth in ever expanding circles around a steady center.
David Steindl-Rast
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Gratitude enhances awareness and fosters personal growth through continuous expression.

In this quote, David Steindl-Rast emphasizes the transformative power of gratitude. He suggests that as we express our thankfulness, we develop a deeper awareness of the things we are grateful for, which in turn fuels our desire to express that gratitude even more. This creates a virtuous cycle of growth and appreciation that strengthens our connection to the world around us.

Themes

GratitudeAwarenessGrowthExpressionAppreciation

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about personal development, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of gratitude.

More from David Steindl-Rast

One single gift acknowledged in gratefulness has the power to dissolve the ties of our alienation.
David Steindl-RastRead
There is no closer bond than the one that gratefulness celebrates, the bond between giver and thanksgiver. Everything is a gift. Grateful living is a celebration of the universal give-and-take of life, a limitless yes to belonging. Can our world survive without gratefulness? Whatever the answer, one thing is certain: to say an unconditional yes to the mutual belonging of all beings will make this a more joyful world. This is the reason why Yes is my favorite synonym for God.
David Steindl-RastRead
Joy is that kind of happiness that does not depend on what happens.
David Steindl-RastRead
By looking up, by raising our eyes above our limited horizon, we are more likely to perceive the blessings hidden in affliction.
David Steindl-RastRead
Any place is sacred ground, for it can become a place of encounter with the divine Presence.
David Steindl-RastRead
One can learn to focus on "opportunity" as the gift within every given moment. This attitude towards life always improves the situation. Even in times of sickness, someone who habitually practices grateful living will look for the opportunity that a given moment offers and use it creatively.
David Steindl-RastRead

Similar quotes

When you have great joy, you will become Buddhas!
Gautama BuddhaRead
A sure way of retaining the grace of heaven is to disregard outward appearances, and diligently to cultivate such things as foster amendment of life and fervour of soul, rather than to cultivate those qualities that seem most popular.
Thomas A KempisRead
If a man would reap praise, you must sow the seeds, gentle words and useful deeds.
Benjamin FranklinRead
I do not think it worth while to wait for enjoyment until there is some real opportunity for it.
Jane AustenRead
Before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you invest, investigate. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try. Before you retire, save. Before you die, give.
William Arthur WardRead
It is not the number of books you read; nor the variety of sermons which you hear; nor the amount of religious conversation in which you mix: but it is the frequency and the earnestness with which you meditate on these things, till the truth which may be in them becomes your own, and part of your own being, that ensures your spiritual growth.
Frederick William RobertsonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.