​"Gratitude consists of being more aware of what you have, than what you don't".
Taking time to develop a mindful practice of Gratitude is powerful. The practice does take some attention and time, but the benefits are well worth it. Recent research from the University of California reveals people who practice Gratitude daily are 40% happier than those who don't, so there's a fantastic reason why you should start!
Here are some simple ways to bring Gratitude into your daily Life:
1. Stop right now and take the time to reflect and appreciate all the good things that are already present in your Life.
2. Make a commitment to keep a Gratitude Journal. This can be as simple as a notebook, copybook or a nice Journal, whatever you choose.. Take some time at the close of your evening to reflect on your day and the good things that happened. Then, select 5 things, people or events that you are grateful for and write them down in your Journal. As you write, feel the Appreciation and give thanks. Time spent in Gratitude will become a healthy daily habit and something you will look forward to at the close of your day. Remember, it takes 21-30 days to build a habit, so keep it going for 21 days consistently then you will make it to 30 and have built yourself a healthy daily habit...you can do it!!
3. Begin your day in Gratitude. Before you place your feet on the ground in the morning, take 5 deep breaths in and out, and then take 1 minute to be grateful. You can be grateful for a good night's sleep, your family, your health,clean clothes, warm water and so on. You can keep it simple as long as you give gratitude. By starting your day in Gratitude, you will be in a state of positive attraction that will set the tone for the rest of your day. Yes indeed, you will be off to a flying start!!
Many students who have attended my Mindfulness courses have shared that bringing Gratitude into their lives transformed their way of thinking completely and enables them to continually focus on all the good that is present in their lives. You see if you are grateful, you are sending that clear message to the Universe who will happily line up more great things to bring into your life.
So, are you ready for the Gratitude Challenge? See if you can write in your Journal for 21 days consistently then keep on writing all the way to 30 days and you are there, a fully fledged Gratitude Practitioner!!