This simple yet profound act of thanking others can deepen our connection with God

Our natural inclination is to see faults in others. This has to do mostly with our egos; we feel better about ourselves. We could also be feeling insecure or jealous, etc., when we do that. This harms us, if we communicate such feelings either by words or gestures. Others are not pleased about it. Contrarily, if we look for something to appreciate in others or thank them for something, we make friends. It is so logical. Let us not forget that we are small souls, who are intrinsically ignorant, helpless and insecure. But we have been given brains to seek help to get over these shortcomings, especially from God.Let me take up how we can gain by saying thanks to others. We don’t become a debtor, if someone has done us some favour, except when it is a loan.

Even then we should be very thankful. Our relationships with others will become sound. Others will feel that this person is naturally grateful – a great quality to endear ourselves to others. We, ourselves, will feel good, having done the right thing. Wouldn’t we wish to be thanked if we do some favour? Rather we all expect to be thanked. So shouldn’t we thank others whenever an opportunity presents itself?I am very serious about thanking others. Rather I am looking for opportunities to thank. A service is provided, even against payment; still, I thank you, which is well appreciated. Someone has given me time, and does not make me wait, I thank. If a loan is given by a bank, I show my gratitude even if they have oversecured themselves. Someone says encouraging words, I thank them profusely.

A gift, no matter what the value is, brings out heartfelt thanks from me. My help–those who serve me, are thanked whenever they do something extra or better. This attitude has brought me enormous goodwill from those who I deal with. I register in their minds as a good person, who should be helped.This thanking propensity has especially brought me close to my Lord. I routinely pray for guidance. I have realised that my knowledge is extremely limited. Most importantly, I have no idea about what the future will bring; God does. He guides me through intuitions, and mediums like my family members, friends, etc.

God is very forthcoming in this matter because He is not taking away someone else’s rights. The next reason for thanking God is the help He provides frequently. Nobody has to tell me that I am very small and mostly helpless. God must help, therefore, I pray whenever my efforts/duties take me only this far. God is very merciful; He helps if what I seek is ‘dharmasangat’ (according to dharma). I deserve also to remain in God’s shelter by doing spiritual practices like ‘darshan’ (seeing) a photo of my Lord, chanting Krishna and Ohm, doing ‘namaskar’ (obeisance), and thanking of course.I am slowly becoming positive from a very negative person. I am beginning to see the positive side of others and, of course, life; there is so much good in life.

By habit, we become judgemental, hateful, etc., which hurts the self mainly. Thanking is just one spiritual act; there are so many. The idea is to catch the attention of God somehow. When we do that, God becomes interested in us. He has so much to give, being the owner of everything. He does not need anything from us, and we cannot do any favour to Him. Isn’t God the Creator, which He manages by Himself? The conclusion is: to develop a habit of thanking and turning positive.

(The writer is a spiritual guide; views expressed are personal)