There is no better time than NOW to cultivate an attitude of gratitude!
“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”
There is no better time than NOW to cultivate an attitude of gratitude!
Creating a ritual around being grateful, on a daily basis, can significantly increase your level of wellbeing, reduce stress, and shift your perspective from one of lack to abundance. Bringing awareness to what brings you joy and happiness can also be deeply clarifying, allowing for more aligned intentions to create more of the same.
In our family, we say “3 greats” from the day when we say goodnight at the end of the day. It’s a nightly ritual that my kids look forward to, builds connection, and a positive mindset. Note, we also bring up any “thorns”, or upsetting parts of the day. The practice isn’t about negating the negative, but rather emphasizing the positive while also processing the less positive parts of the day, so those emotions don’t get stuck and continue to fester.
Another method for expressing gratitude is journaling. I’ve used multiple different styles of journals with prompts to help initiate the practice. One of my favorites is the Yogic Path journal and card deck by Sahara Rose. There’s space to reflect on what you're grateful for in the morning, and set your intentions for the day. In the evening you can return to journaling to reflect on your favorite parts of the day, what you learned, and what you love about yourself.
It doesn’t matter so much whether your practice is in the morning, evening, or both, so long as you are consistent and find what feels right for you. Remembering that the practices that will have the most benefit for you…are the ones that you do! Consistency is key!
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Step 1: Free-Form Writing
Upon waking, grab a comfortable seat and a journal and before you do anything else, begin to write stream of consciousness style. Just write whatever pours out of you through the pen and onto paper, it doesn’t need to be legible, in fact it shouldn’t be! You are purging whatever is on your mind, clearing and releasing stuck energy, so that your mind can open to more clarity, presence, and truth for the day ahead rather than being stuck in a mental loop. I was first introduced to Free Form Writing by the organization Lead with Love. You can learn more about the process and their mission to shift the culture from fear to love, by clicking here.
Step 2: Self-Inquiry Intentions
Once you’ve gotten everything out in your free-form writing, ask yourself “What is my intention for today?” If that starts to conjure up too many “To Do” list ideas, see if you can be even more granular by asking “How can I be kind?”, “How can I be of service?”, “How can I cultivate an attitude of gratitude”. Sitting in silence with your self-inquiry, known as Svadhyaya, one of the Niyamas of Patajali’s 8 limbs of yoga. Remembering as you answer to include compassion towards yourself always. Let the answers come to you without any forcing or contriving to get there. Allow yourself the space for the answer to arise.
Step 3: Giving Thanks
The final step is stating what you are grateful for. You might list three things at the beginning of the day and then at the end of the day state one that brought you the most joy. You might consider sharing around the dinner table or at bedtime, opening up the conversation for both “roses and thorns”. Again, regardless of what part of the day you do this practice or whether it’s on your own or includes those around you, be consistent!
From my heart to yours, may your gratitude be bright, and your attitude light! If you have the means and feel inclined to pay it forward during this time of giving, please consider donating to the Kula Fund. This fund removes the financial barrier that might impede our locals here in the Mount Washington Valley from entering the yoga space. All are welcome here, and your donation helps support making yoga accessible to all!