Practicing gratitude
Practicing gratitude is a simple thing that you can incorporate into your daily life to improve your well-being.
‘recognizing the good you already have in your life is the foundation of all abundance’
By practicing gratitude you help to integrate more lightness,
to appreciate the simple things in your daily life, such as a sunset, a flower on your way, someone who lets you cross, the smile of a stranger …. By wanting to incorporate gratitude into life you are choosing to welcome more happiness, appreciation and to have a more positive outlook on the simple things in your life.
For example, I am on the terrace writing this article and the men next to me spilled his coffee on the table, he started to get angry insulting himself, his coffee and the table, so seen like that it’s funny but this person put itself in a negative energy for a such a little thing.
Think about it, reacting in frustration or just reordering a coffee and reminding yourself how lucky you are, you haven’t been burn?
The coffee is on the table, whether you get angry or not it stays on the table.
There are many, examples like this.
I invite you to ask yourself if when you get upset about simple things in your daily life does it brings you something?
And if, on the opposite, changing perception by bringing gratitude does not lighten your life.
Practicing gratitude is a discipline, a state of mind that we can choose.
Grateful for the little things, the big things and what’s in between
Several studies have been able to demonstrate the positive effects in life, on physical and mental health that this practice can bring.
Here is an article published by Harvard University on this subject.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
Practicing gratitude isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges or day-to-day problems, but rather gives you a lighter, flexible, and balanced perspective on your life.
Notice the good things, seek them out, appreciate them
The benefits of this practice
– be happier
– be healthier
– better sleep
– be more optimistic
– enjoy the simple things in life
– create better relationships with your family, friends
– be less jealous and envious
– be less materialistic
– makes you smile
Here are some examples to help you in your integration into the practice of gratitude
Journaling
– Write in a journal some funny phrases like
I’m gratful for;
- myself
- the beauty and power of the ocean
- my cat
- choosing to practice gratitude
- my family
- my friends
- the nature
- my life
- to be able to breath everyday
- love
- my body
- opportunities
- my freedom
- someone else smile
- the sun
- my good health
- the rain, the wind..
The list could be endless, write down every little things that you are grateful for by acknowledging the little everyday things that will bring you a lot.
Or you can share on your journal the Best moment of your day, a smell that you fancy, a kind words of a person you have met, you can recognize all the simple and positive little things.
– Write a thank you letter to yourself or someone who has impacted your life
– Smile at an unknown person or a person around you without expecting a return
– Create a gratitude jar
This one I love it, you just have to mark all the things for which you are grateful for on a paper put them in the jar and read them later
I practiced this while working on a boat in Tahiti, the captain had set up a jar and we had to write 3 to 4 times a week of simple things for which we were grateful for. Once or twice a months, the whole crew gathers around the table and everyone leaves the little anonymous notes that had been left in the jar. It was really moving
– To be present, appreciate what you have in front of you when you have it
– Meditation with intention on the things we appreciate in life and what we are grateful for
-Appreciate the simple things in life, sunsets, flowers…
– Look at yourself in the mirror and said loudly “I am grateful for myself”
– Look at things on the bright side
-Integrate grateful mantra in your yoga practice
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can bring you happiness, joy, and contentment.
You can cultivate an attitude of gratitude and abundance even in difficult times by incorporating these habits into your daily life.
Every act of gratitude, whether it’s thanking those who serve you or noticing the beauty arounds you, can have a significant impact on your happiness and your relationships.
Embrace these simple yet powerful gratitude practices to live a happier, more fulfilling life.
‘one moment of absolute gratitude can transform your whole life’ Sandhguru
xoxo, juju
