Today I want to focus on gratitude. It is Thanksgiving after all! A gratitude practice can be really powerful and shift ones whole mindset to one of feeling the cup is half full rather than half empty. What we focus on grows, so when we focus on what we are grateful for our whole mindset can start to shift to a more positive one and our blessings seem to multiply.
Here are two gratitude practices for you to try that I learned during my course at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition!
Three Blessings:
1. Before you go to bed, write down three good things that happened that day.
2. Then write down why each of them happened, noticing perhaps how you actually played a part in making them happen!
3. Think about the impact these positive events had on your day. How would your day have gone if they hadn't happened?
4. Identify three strategies for continuing to live in a state of thankfulness and manifesting more positivity.
5. Write down each time something good happens, and especially actions you take to make a bad situation good.
Doing this exercise for a couple days when you feel like all you can see are the negatives can really help to change things around. The last part, of seeing actions you take to make a bad situation good might not come on the first day, but I suggest you keep doing the exercise until you start to easily see the ways you can make a bad situation good, as this is a really valuable skill that takes practice but will build your sense of resilience and confidence!
Gratitude Visit
1. Think of someone who has done something kind for you who you have never properly thanked.
2. In a letter, write down exactly what they did and the specific effect it had on your life.
3. Write and rewrite the letter multiple times until it feels powerful and concise.
4. Handwrite the letter or use calligraphy or put it in a handmade card - be creative, have fun, and let your gratitude show!
5. Meet the person face to face, and read them the letter. Don't forget to bring tissues! The tears may flow!
This is a powerful and personal gratitude practice that in my opinion is better than any physical gift you can give someone! And you will feel like you have just given yourself a gift as well, as that is what gratitude does! If gifts are not your forte or buying gifts is a financial stress for you this holiday season try writing a gratitude card to those most important in your life and finding time for a gratitude visit with each of them, even if that visit is reading it to them over the phone or skype. It is the care and thought that counts, and this is a powerful way to show that you appreciate someone!
With much gratitude to all of you who have supported me over the years, who read my posts and share your thoughts and reflections, to my clients who affirm for me that I am on the right path and remind me daily of the power in being fully present for someone, to my friends and family and partner who love me and accept me for who I am, to my kitty Pumpkin, whose antics make me laugh, and to the earth, the creatures big and small, the water, the sun, the moon, the stars, the shade of the trees, and so much more.
Many Blessings, Miwa