As we go into the season of gratitude, I’d be remiss not to share the powerful effects that living a life of gratitude can have. Rather than tell you all about the benefits, I invite you to experience them for yourself! In this article, I share tips and strategies for living your life from a place of gratitude. Read on to learn some of my favorite daily practices, and a few of the ones I’m striving for…
First Thing in the Morning
- Before you even open your eyes, recognize your physical body lying at rest and find gratitude that you have the opportunity to awaken to a new day.
- After opening your eyes, remain still for another moment, and find gratitude for the support under your body, the roof over your head, and the air in your lungs.
- Give thanks to a higher power.
- Set an intention for your day.
Work
- On your way to work, whether in the car or walking into another room of your home, give thanks for your job remembering that it provides you with security.
- When you arrive at your workspace, take a moment to create a space where you can balance creativity and productivity: declutter so you can start fresh.
- Before you begin, take a deep breath in and out. Inhale past the chest into the belly space (your seat of creativity), into the abdomen (your seat of power and confidence), and into the heart space (open to learning more), then exhale completely from the belly, then the abdomen, then the chest/heart area. It often takes two or three tries to get a full complete breath in and out.
- Pause for a moment to find gratitude in this space you’ve created, the skills that landed you this job, and the security/stability it provides.
- Set an intention to perform your job to the best of your ability and let go of what you cannot control.
- At the end of your workday, take a full breath into the belly, the abdomen, and then the heart space. Hold the breath in for 3-10 seconds calmly keeping the back of the throat open. Open the mouth wide, stick out your tongue and audibly exhale from the belly, abdomen, and heart space emptying out completely. Repeat this one more time. Finish with one full breath in and out.
- Pause to acknowledge all you’ve accomplished and set a clear intention to leave your work within this space as you move forward.
Free Time
- On your way home or to whatever you’ve chosen to spend your time, find gratitude for the life you’ve created and the way in which you’ve chosen to experience it.
- At some point during your day, step outside for a few moments to breathe in the fresh air and soak in the soothing sounds of nature. Notice the ground under your feet and the open space surrounding you. Find gratitude in this beautiful world we’re fortunate to call home.
- Set time out to watch the sunrise, sunset, star gaze, and/or follow the cycle of the moon. Take a moment to marvel at the vastness of the sky and embrace the uplifting energy radiating from its light.
At the End of Your Day
- Pause to reflect on what you’re grateful for today. Be sure to include something about your physical body, your sound mind, and the breath in your lungs!
- As you settle into bed, reflect with gratitude for this safe space you’ve cultivated to embrace rest and renewal.
- Feel the gentle support of your bed and pillow as you take at least one slow, intentional breath in and out. Inhale gratitude for all the day brought you and exhale everything you’re ready to let go: tension, anxiety, things you cannot control.
And Eventually…
You’ll be able to seamlessly weave these practices into your daily life. Every meaningful change begins with a first step. Start by choosing one or two practices that resonate with you and incorporate them into your routine. As these small actions become habits, gratitude will naturally become a part of your way of life. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself giving thanks for safe arrivals as you step out of your car, cherishing moments with family and friends on your way to a gathering, appreciating the birds and trees on a walk, or feeling grateful for the shelter of your garage on a rainy day, and the list goes on…
The truth is, we are presented with countless opportunities for gratitude each day. By embracing these daily practices, we can learn to find gratitude even in the most challenging moments: be grateful for modern medicine that can help the pain you’re currently experiencing, thankful for the challenges that foster growth, appreciative that you loved someone enough to grieve their loss, and the list goes on…
I am so incredibly grateful for each and every one of you; thank you for sharing your love, light, energy, and experiences with me. It’s truly an honor to have the opportunity to teach you. May this season be filled with gratitude, paving the way for a life brimming with it.
Namaste!
Upcoming Events Through the End of the Year
- Back Porch Yoga: Wednesday 11/20 6-7PM
- Fermented Flow: A Yoga and Mimosas Benefit for WNC at Blackbird Brewery – Saturday, 11/23 10:30AM-12:00PM
- Last Back Porch Yoga of the Year: Baked Ziti After a 1-Hour Class – Wednesday, 12/4 6:00PM until we run out of wine…
- Yoga and Mimosas @Whitaker & Atlantic: Option to stay after for brunch at Hummingbird – Saturday 12/14 10-11:30AM
Click here to sign up!
