What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is an ability to notice and acknowledge the things, people, or events in our life as a gift. It is an ability to see the goodness and positivity in life, to appreciate those simple things we tend to ignore or take for granted, like fresh water or food.

Gratitude is a very positive emotion that fills us with joy and helps us find meaning in life. Daily gratitude practice can be life-transforming. It allows us to see our life from a higher perspective. We are not so stuck anymore in our small problems or ways of thinking.

Gratitude opens us to the whole of life, and to greater possibilities, and allows us to see goodness and have more understanding for ourselves and others. Gratitude attracts more gratitude and good things into our life. It increases as we practice it. We start to see the simplest or seemingly insignificant things as gifts. We start to experience more joy and blessings in life. Being grateful opens our hearts in a beautiful way.

Gratitude cultivates other positive emotions like joy, compassion, loving kindness, and empathy. Because we see more goodness, we also acknowledge how much suffering there is in the world. As a result, we are more motivated to be good and pursue our mission in life.

The many benefits of gratitude

Gratitude:

• Nourishes you with positive emotions and fills you with joy and wonder
• Opens you to receive
• Increases your awareness of the present moment
• Helps you to see all the big and small wonders around you, things you would not notice
if lost in negative thinking
• Gives you hope in times of trouble
• Helps you become more compassionate and kind
• Inspires you to be good and do good, because it connects you to the higher values in
life

How to practice gratitude

Gratitude is both a feeling and a practice. There are many ways you can practice being more grateful in life. Here are six of my favorites:

1. First thing in the morning

Before getting up, take a moment to become present and feel grateful for your life. Name three to five simple things you are grateful for. This will help you practice mindfulness and a more positive attitude as you go through your day.

2. Last thing at night

You can do the same thing just before going to sleep. Review your day for the things, people, or events that make you feel grateful. Allow the feelings of gratitude into your body. This will calm your mind and promote restful sleep.

3. In your daily meditation

I love this form of practicing gratitude. Towards the end of your regular meditation practice, bring your hands together or place them on your heart. Take a moment to feel grateful for your life. You can name a few things you are grateful for, or simply soak into the feeling of gratitude and rest there for a moment.

4. In your journal

Write down a list of things you are grateful for in your journal. Your list might include fresh water, good sleep, a loving partner, a pet, food, shelter, or a steady job. Often the simplest things we don’t notice or complain about are the ones to be most grateful for!

5. When you receive compliments

Do you find yourself often rejecting compliments? This repels gratitude and closes you down. When someone says something nice to you, instead of diminishing the compliment, smile and say thank you—yes, receiving is that easy! You don’t have to return the compliment. Gratefulness does not mean that you must give something in exchange. It is just a feeling and the openness to receive. Staying open to receive compliments brings more compliments your way. This is how the universe works!

6. In moments throughout the day

During the day, remind yourself to be present and look for reasons to feel grateful. You can even set a reminder on your phone! Pause, take a few deep breaths, and feel grateful for whatever comes into your mind. It may be a beautiful view, a smile from another person, a delicious meal, the smell of fresh air, the taste of clean water, or kind words. The possibilities are endless!

The more you practice gratitude, the more you notice things to be grateful for, and the more gratitude you will feel! It will open you to experience more positive emotions, becoming more kind, compassionate, and empathic with yourself and others.

With love,