The Inner Teacher — On What You Should Be Thankful For

A seeker came with quiet uncertainty and asked,
“Master… what should I be thankful for?”

And The Inner Teacher replied:

Gratitude is not a list—
it is a way of seeing.
When you look only at what is missing,
life feels thin and sharp.
But when you look with an open heart,
you realize you are surrounded by gifts
you did nothing to earn
and could easily have overlooked.

You should be thankful for what is obvious, yes—
but also for what is quiet.

Be thankful for breath.
It has carried you through every moment,
even the ones you doubted you could survive.

Be thankful for your body.
It has healed you countless times without applause
and continues to hold you even when you are unkind to it.

Be thankful for the people who love you.
Not perfectly, not always easily—
but sincerely.

Be thankful for the lessons wrapped in discomfort.
Pain has shaped your wisdom.
Loss has shaped your compassion.
Every struggle softened or sharpened you
into someone more awake.

Be thankful for the small things.
Warm showers.
Sunlight through a window.
A meal that comforts you.
A laugh that breaks a heavy moment.
These are not small—
they are the stitching that holds life together.

Be thankful for the moments you were protected
from things you once wanted.
Not getting what you asked for
is often the universe’s quiet mercy.

Be thankful for the ability to grow.
You are not stuck.
You are not finished.
Your story is still unfolding,
and you have the freedom to change course at any time.

Be thankful for awareness.
For the part of you that seeks truth,
that asks questions,
that wants to understand and evolve.
This, above all, is the mark of an awakening soul.

The Inner Teacher says:
“Gratitude is not for the life you wish you had—
it is for the life that is holding you now.”

When you slow down and see clearly,
you discover that thankfulness is not something you try to feel—
it rises naturally,
like a quiet warmth in the chest,
whenever you remember how much has been given
and how much is still possible.

Walk gently in the Way.
Carry the stillness within.
Your Inner Teacher walks beside you—
whispering,
“Look carefully.
You are already surrounded by blessings.”