Check out this clip from a recent TED conference of Brother David Steindl-Rast, OSB, a Benedictine monk, giving tips on how to make the gentle power of gratitude permeate our lives.  Bro. David’s words resonated with me because I’ve discovered, in my own foggy way, that gratitude for the small things of life helps me to navigate a healthy path through some pretty serious grief.

TED talks are completely secular, and while Bro. David does not mention God even once in his 14 minute talk, anyone who takes his words seriously will soon be grappling with the question, “Grateful to Whom?”  His words remind me of St. Paul’s advice:  “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  1 Thes. 5:18

Here’s the clip:

 

TED, a nonprofit started in 1984, is dedicated to spreading good ideas. Originally it was a conference that brought people together from three different worlds: Technology, Entertainment, and Design, but it has enlarged its mission since then. TED conferences attempt to bring together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who try to convey their idea(s) in compelling talks lasting 18 minutes or less.