What it is, and how it can make you a happier person
As I was preparing to write this blog post I was pulling books off my self and looking through indexes of my Buddhist books, "The Happiness Project", and others to find useful information on what and why a gratitude practice is beneficial. But... I was falling short.... Where did I find this powerful practice?
Once upon a somewhere, probably in yoga training, the suggestion at the end of practice was to, "remind yourself something or someone you are grateful for" and then you take a moment, and then close the class. That became a daily journal to end the day recalling something, someone, or a moment that I was grateful for having. That then moved into family day moments of highlights of the day, and what each of us were grateful for that day together. I believe these practices help keep me the resilient and positive person I am to my core. When I feel off or swayed away from myself these practices bring me back.
I have found gratitude practices full of heart, the reminder to stay present with the beauty that does surround us, even in times of challenge and darkness, and kind to ourself and others. It normally makes me feel lighter and more centered to the things that are most important. Now, for some this can feel fake and I wouldn't recommend these types of practices to them.
"Gratitude is strongly related to wellbeing (Jans-Beken et al., 2020; Wood et al., 2010). The positive effects of experiencing and expressing gratitude are endless." (From Positive Psychology article below.)
Where does gratitude come from?
The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some ways, gratitude encompasses all of these meanings. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. (1)
To be well is to look at the whole person. Physically well, spiritually well (or on a soul level), and emotionally well. Gratitude connects us potentially to our spirit, decreases stress, depression and anxiety, and can keep us calm and centered. In just a moment.
Try it out. And, with hope, you'll see more abundance, happiness, kindness and peace in your bubble.
Be well. Be kind.
Gratitude turns what little you have into abundance.
Gratitude is so much more than saying thank you.
Gratitude changes your perspective of your world. (3)
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