GRATITUDE
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“The ship of my life may or may not be sailing on calm and amiable seas. The challenging days of my existence may or may not be bright and promising. Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude. If I insist on being pessimistic, there is always tomorrow. Today I am blessed.”~Maya Angelou
What does it mean to be grateful? What does gratitude look like? Oftentimes, our culture goes from Halloween right into the Christmas season passing right by Thanksgiving. We focus on the food and football but what about giving thanks?
Writing Prompt:
We all have a person in our life that has meant something to us. Stop and think for a moment about who that would be for you. Who did something that showed you they cared, taught you something, or gave you an opportunity you never had? Who made you see something in a different way, made you want to be a better person, or It can be anyone in your past, or present. You may have only known them a short period, or maybe it is someone you have known your whole life, but they have made an impact for you. Who are you grateful for? Who is a person that has made a huge difference in your life?
(Turn in to tray at end of class)
We all have a person in our life that has meant something to us. Stop and think for a moment about who that would be for you. Who did something that showed you they cared, taught you something, or gave you an opportunity you never had? Who made you see something in a different way, made you want to be a better person, or It can be anyone in your past, or present. You may have only known them a short period, or maybe it is someone you have known your whole life, but they have made an impact for you. Who are you grateful for? Who is a person that has made a huge difference in your life?
(Turn in to tray at end of class)
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Watch the TED talk below.
As you watch, jot down Mr. Steindl-Rast's 'recipe' for increasing a person's happiness. Answer the questions in your composition book as you watch. Do you agree with his 'recipe'? Why or why not? Also, pick one quote from Mr. Steindl-Rast's speech that you really like and write that in the margin. |
David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk, spoke in a TED Talk about gratitude sharing his "Recipe for Happiness". It's not happiness that makes you grateful, it's gratefulness that makes you happy. |
We will use the following organizer to collect our research on how gratitude is presented in the arts as well as our thoughts about the ideas the artworks present. You will find the information you collect on the organizer important for your final assessment.
EXPLORE
Called, “A Feast For The Soul,” Gathering In Gratitude, developed by Luz Elena Morey, MA, RDT, is a beautiful, magical presentation of music, dance, visual art, poetry and drama honoring the natural world. Inspired by the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address, and with the encouragement of Mohawk Chief Tekaronianeken, Jake Swamp, Gathering in Gratitude unites the hearts and minds of those present in the spirit of gratitude for our natural world. Originally focused on helping people, especially young people, who are contemplating suicide, the strong messages have reached people in all stages of life. Click on the image above for more information.
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