46. Pleasant Dreams

Think of a good thing that happened during the day and then think of how it happened. Do this twice when going to sleep and you will have pleasant dreams. If you think of more things, say five or six, then it's a guarantee. The good things can be quite small or ordinary or they can be large and spectacular. It doesn't matter as long as you realize how they happened.

A couple of observations: One is you are always a part of the pleasant thing even if you were just an observer. Another is one cannot think of two things at once and if you're thinking good stuff then no bad stuff can intrude on your thoughts. Thirdly, if you are always a part of a good thing then it should occur to you that you are creating your happiness.

If one keeps a Gratitude Journal (which I most strongly recommend) then one notices how much one is grateful for. Just keep entering in your "daily log", things that please you and which you are grateful for.

I believe this is an ancient Buddhist tradition for keeping one in the Present, the ever-changing Now.

In our house we've started a tradition that grew out of giving thanks for the evening meal. It kept growing and now we take turns telling the good things that happened during the day. It makes for a very pleasant meal and, at bedtime, for very pleasant dreams.

You're welcome.