Definition of Gratitude — the feeling of deep appreciation.
Expressing daily gratitude is one of the best ways to help your mind and body feel and believe in good. No matter how small or how big, acknowledging what is good in your life should be a daily practice.
Every morning when I wake and before my feet touch the floor, I express my gratitude to start my day. As part of his morning routine, Tony Robbins takes time to recall three things he’s grateful for, making sure at least one of them is something small like, He says “the wind on my face or the smile of my son.” and what makes this practice so powerful is, “When you’re grateful you can’t be fearful.”
Writer and entrepreneur Tim Ferriss, uses a five-minute journal practice in the morning to fuel him for the day. “It’s easy to become obsessed with pushing the ball forward as a Type-A personality and end up a perfectionist who is always future-focused,” he says, “The five-minute journal is a therapeutic intervention, for me at least, because I am that person. It allows me to not only get more done during the day but to also feel better throughout the entire day, to be a happier person and to be a more content person.”
I have adopted some of these gratitude practices. Just before bed at night, I write in my Gratitude journal three (sometimes four) things I am grateful for that has happened during the day.
Starting a gratitude practice at any time of the year is a good thing. But starting gratitude practices over this holiday season will set the tone for the upcoming year.
Before you begin your gratitude practice spend some alone time with yourself; either take a walk, a run, a bike ride, or a long hot bath. Be in a space of uninterrupted thoughts.
In your journal write down a few things you are grateful for – do this every day and at the same time. Keep in mind that expressing gratitude is one of the best ways to feel good by acknowledging the goodness that surrounds you.
Practicing small acts of gratitude can have a big impact on your health and happiness. In fact, it is precisely under crisis conditions when we have the most to gain from a grateful perspective on life. In the face of demoralization, gratitude has the power to energize; In the face of brokenness, gratitude has the power to heal; In the face of despair, gratitude has the power to bring hope. In other words, gratitude can help us cope with the difficulties of life.
Have a better year ahead, with a Gratitude practice.
Namaste, Peace & Blessings,
Gwendolyn Esco Davis, EscoDavis, Life Coach
You may email her at Gwendolyn@escodavis.us
