The Organic Gift of Gratitude: Cultivating Connection and Shifting Perspectives with the Karuna Project By Seth Quigg, Karuna Project

As I sit here in the inspiring stillness of Mount Crested Butte, reflecting on recent travels and the powerful concepts explored within the Karuna Project, a clear intention emerges: to further cultivate and share the organic gift of gratitude.

At home in my happy place "Snodgrass" trail. I have developed a profound sense of place with this zone and perspective. Its my place to reflect and think about the world and what it means to be alive. Grateful for Snodgrass.

This isn't just about saying "thank you." It's about a profound shift in perspective, a deep recognition of the multifaceted wealth that surrounds us, and a conscious effort to level the playing field in our interactions, particularly within the communities the Karuna Project serves. My recent travels have deeply resonated with the theories surrounding relationships and the damaging paradigm of superiority and inferiority. Witnessing firsthand the power of genuine connection, built on mutual respect and understanding, has reinforced the Karuna Project's commitment to "leveling the playing field" in our operational areas. By fostering environments where everyone feels valued and heard, we unlock true collaboration and create opportunities for shared growth.

Karuna Project "Wisdom Circle" where our guests and local people get together to discuss what it means to be human and alive. In this circle, the Nepali women were asking our guests, "what is it like to be empowered as a woman in the USA?"

This week's exploration of leading with relationships has only solidified this conviction.

Furthermore, the concept of multiple forms of wealth has been particularly impactful. It's easy to fixate on financial capital, especially when navigating the economic realities of life in the USA. However, recognizing the abundance of social capital, intellectual wealth, spiritual richness, and the sheer gift of being alive fosters a profound sense of gratitude. Creating a framework to articulate these different forms of wealth for our students and participants will be a phenomenal tool, helping them to appreciate the diverse riches in their own lives and the communities we engage with.

This brings me to the core of our service experiment. What strengths do I feel confident in bringing to the Karuna Project? It is the ability to relay these transformative concepts – the power of connection, the understanding of multiple forms of wealth, and the importance of shifting away from hierarchical thinking – and to role model service leadership rooted in these principles.

Working with a group of college students in the San Pedro Martir Mountains in Baja California, Mexico.

Where do I feel uncertain? The desire for greater financial security in the USA remains a reality. However, I recognize that even in the absence of abundant financial wealth, we can cultivate a deep wellspring of gratitude. This gratitude, in turn, fuels our commitment to service and our ability to connect authentically with others.

Grateful to be wealthy in Wilderness in our Backyard in Crested Butte, Colorado, USA

Ultimately, the theoretical tools we explore within the Karuna Project – inner transformation, leading with relationships, understanding multiple forms of wealth, and embracing emergence – are all pathways leading to a deeper sense of gratitude for being alive. They offer lenses through which we can shift our perspectives on what it truly means to be human and interconnected.

The Karuna Project remains dedicated to creating transformative experiences in the Himalayas and beyond, grounded in exploration, growth, and philanthropy. We believe in the power of connection to bridge divides and foster a more equitable world. If your organization shares these values and desires to collaborate on impactful initiatives, we invite you to connect with us. Let's explore how, together, we can cultivate the organic gift of gratitude and create lasting positive change.

To learn more about the Karuna Project and our work, please visit

www.karuna-project.com.