Gratitude: A Practice for Life
The practice of gratitude is an exercise we could embrace as a way to bookend each day* and enjoy its boundless benefits. Expressing gratitude is rewarding because it gives us the opportunity to reflect and appreciate the everyday joys, as they shouldn’t be reserved for just momentous occasions and big celebrations. World Gratitude Day is on September 21st, and it is a gentle reminder that we can find the beauty and satisfaction in small moments of every-day life.*
Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.
—Eckhart Tolle
The benefits of a gratitude practice make a difference for your mind as well as your body. Your mind experiences more positive emotions, kindness and compassion* for yourself and others as it improves mental health. At the same time, your body can absorb this positive approach to improved sleep habits and immune function.
Here’s a eight simple suggestions on how to start your gratitude practice to last you long-term:
Notice the good things.
Look for them. Allow your eyes and ears to absorb the good around you.
Pay attention to the small daily interactions and be more present when you speak and listen to others.
Savor the good moments.
Absorb the time spent in joyful company, with yourself and others.
Don’t take for granted the time spent smiling.
Write it down.
Start a gratitude journal by writing the smallest things, ordinary moments, just the simple joys to celebrate.
Do it daily; on a piece of paper,* a full journal, or even a note in your phone.
Engage your senses.
If you’re stuck, look at all the gifts around you that you can touch, see, smell, taste, and hear.
We should appreciate all the gifts that life has to offer.
Share your thanks with others.
A gratitude practice is a great way to strengthen your relationships. Use this as an opportunity to teach your children* how to show gratitude.
My sister has a great practice with her family that they say what they’re thankful for at the dinner table. It teaches her little ones that they have so much to be thankful for each day.
Fake it ‘til you make it, if you have to.
Go through the motions by smiling and imagine yourself saying “thank you” when you think of what you’re grateful for.
Check in with your body.
Pay attention to how your body can contribute to your dose of thankfulness.
Thank you body for moving you through life, a workout, or other fun activities you enjoy.
Keep at it.
A gratitude practice is the most effective when you maintain it regularly over the long term.
You can keep it short and sweet, or dig in and get poetic.
The biggest takeaway from all of this is that to start. It’s ok to start small and keep it simple as you exercise your gratitude muscles.* Your mind and body will appreciate it. Your relationships will appreciate it. And you’re never going to look back.
Your eyes will open to the world in the most beautiful and newly exciting way. You will grow in unexpected ways and I’d love to hear what unexpected things you’ve learned about your world. Share them in the comments below.
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