When things are at their darkest, what is it that “allows you to see promise and allows you to see beauty?” Joanna begins her exploration of some of the most difficult emotions and circumstances we face in a surprising place: with gratitude. This episode introduces the concept of the spiral, the basic structure of the Work That Reconnects. 

In this episode:

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• Why it’s necessary to speak our darkest thoughts out loud
  
• How to follow our fear and pain into a state of profound gratitude
  
• The spiral of the Work That Reconnects: gratitude, honoring our pain, seeing with new eyes, and going forth
  
• Bonus Exercise: “Gratitude Meditation”—the first stage on the spiral
  

We recommend starting a podcast club with friends or family to do these practices together. Links and assets to help prompt reflection and build community can be found with every episode on WeAreTheGreatTurning.com.