“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ~ Melody Beattie
Can you believe it? Thanksgiving is almost here. I love Thanksgiving because it is relatively free from all the commercial hype of other holidays, it’s inclusive and celebrates community and connection and most of all because it reminds us of the power and importance of practicing gratitude.
Gratitude is more than simply recognizing that we are blessed; it is a powerful practice that brings us into the present moment and connects us with joy, abundance and generosity. Feeling deeply grateful reminds us of what is most important, and inspires us to slow down, and step out of our frantic, over-scheduled days and tune into the abundance in our lives and in the world. When we are grateful we become more generous, kind and connected. In addition, studies have shown practicing gratitude improves our sense of well-being, reduces depression and anxiety and negativity, improves sleep, increases happiness and supports healthy relationships.
What is the best way to practice gratitude?
A simple way to practice gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal and write down thee things daily that you are thankful for. I also love the idea of creating a gratitude jar. At the end of each day write down one thing you are thankful for and place it in the jar, then perhaps make it an annual tradition to read a few on Thanksgiving. I started a daily gratitude practice many years ago and since that time the prayers of gratitude I whisper aloud after my mediation practice anchor my day in positive vibrations. Some days are easier than others but no matter what, starting my day in appreciation drastically improves my attitude.
Adding a gratitude practice to your daily routine will change your life and your perspective for the better.
So, what are you grateful for today?
Wishing you Vibrant Living
Kate
10 Inspiring Gratitude Quotes
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” ~ Eckhart Tolle
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” ~A.A. Milne
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ~Albert Einstein
“Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life.” ~Rumi
“Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.” ~Kahlil Gibran
“May the work of your hands be a sign of gratitude and reverence to the human condition.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
“May the gratitude in my heart kiss all the universe.” ~ Hafiz
“The attitude of gratitude is the highest yoga.” ~Yogi Bhajan
“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Tony Robbins
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” ~ William Arthur Ward