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A B1-level reading comprehension worksheet exploring Brother David Steindl-Rast's teachings on how gratefulness cultivates true happiness and how the 'Stop, Look, Go' method transforms our outlook.

Reading Text

Many people believe that happiness makes us grateful. We often think that when we achieve success or buy things we want, we will finally feel satisfied. However, Brother David Steindl-Rast, a well-known monk and author, suggests the opposite idea: gratefulness actually creates happiness. In everyday life, we meet individuals who have wealth and comfort, yet they remain unhappy because they constantly want more. At the same time, some people face terrible misfortune, but they still smile and radiate joy. The difference between these two groups is how they view their circumstances. Happy people are not lucky all the time; instead, they are grateful for the gift of life itself. Brother David explains that we cannot be thankful for terrible things like war, illness, or violence. However, we can be grateful in every single moment for the opportunity it brings. Even difficult moments offer a chance to learn, show patience, or assist someone in need. To practice this mindset every day, he recommends a simple three-step method: Stop, Look, and Go. First, we must stop. Too often, people rush through busy schedules and forget to notice the world around them. When we pause, we can calm our minds. Second, we must look. We open our senses to notice beautiful sights, sounds, and the valuable moments given to us. We also look for chances to help others. Finally, we go. This means taking positive action based on what we saw. Living with gratitude transforms how we treat other people. When we feel grateful, we do not act out of fear or scarcity. We realize that we have enough, so we share our time and resources freely. Through small acts of generosity, we can build supportive communities and make the world a kinder, more peaceful place for everyone.

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