I used to write journal-style entries in this blog, which I have cut down on mostly, except where inspirational and interesting. So you might have heard of the guys who I used to call my "teachers". Out of embarrassment I deleted that from some of my prominent posts, because the fact is I don't know what I was smoking but it was strong stuff! Those teachers were silly, manipulative bastards who just happened to believe their own lies so strongly that it drew other people in. I hope you don't think I'm not qualified to write a website about finding truth then - I think this may make me more qualified, as it taught me one important lesson - "Don't be a guru".

There was one lesson however which they accidentally gave me that I haven't tried to clear out of my head; whatever book they stole it from had been a good one. When they replied to the word "thankyou" they would say "thanks to you" instead of "don't worry about it" or anything like that. I took the essence of it - I don't say "thanks to you" but I really like the idea of not negating the other person's sincere thanks.

I think so because an expression of gratitude is quite a sacred thing. They say that apart from "love" itself, there is hardly a word of higher vibration than "thankyou". Those two words are those that created the most beautiful ice crystals in Masaru Emoto's famous vibrational experiments. (Thanks to the linked website for the image, used with permission).

So I don't like the standard replies for "thankyou" - "it's nothing", "don't mention it", "no problem". That's like saying, "Don't thank me!!" I don't want to ask people not to express something so beautiful - and not for me, for them. I feel like negating their gratitude is a dishonour for them, a denial of the preciousness of what they have said.

I don't like "You're welcome" either. Apart from the fact that nobody says it except in the most formal situations - when was the last time you heard it? - I dislike the sentiment. Let's try rephrasing that with synonyms.

"I appreciate what you have done for me."

"I allow you to appreciate what I have done."

Huh?? If that is what the old phrase is supposed to mean, how arrogant is that? "It's OK, you can thank me, I don't mind." What about "THANKYOU FOR THANKING ME"? Is it just me or is "You're welcome" kind of... ungrateful?

Now I don't say "Thankyou for thanking me" either. So what's a natural way of expressing gratitude for gratitude? I like "It's a pleasure." "I'm glad" or "It makes me happy that you have enjoyed it/gained benefit from my service/etc" also works well. If I am feeling particularly overwhelmed, I might bow (yes, I bow) and say "It's an honour that I have been of such service, I'm so happy to have touched your life in some way." I like to have a fresh answer every time someone thanks me, to make sure it doesn't become rote or ritual or expected.

Did you like this post? Go ahead - thank me :D I will endeavour to show you what I mean :)

So much love to you my friends,

Andrew