5 Ways To Practice Gratitude (that aren't journaling)
We each have practices that resonate with us most. For some, it is writing, for others, meditation, movement, or simply a conversation where we can fully express ourselves. In honor of our month of gratitude and November Gratitude Challenge, we have compiled a list of practices (other than journaling) that will inspire gratitude and fulfillment within you. Read on to expand upon your daily practices today!
Create
Recently, I have begun a Vision Board practice. I will create a board to inspire me, to bring my intentions to life, and to tap into the power of manifestation. For me, this allows me to feel that I am already putting action behind my words. Here are a few tips to getting started:
Have Fun: While I don’t have access to magazine clippings or space to craft right now, I still find joy in curating gorgeous Pinterest boards that set a tone for my month, project, or moment. As you come to this practice, remember that it is meant to be fun! Allow yourself to feel hope, excitement, inspiration and ambition. How you create will determine how your vision shows up in your life.
Surprise Yourself: If you don’t identify yourself as a crafty person, give it a go anyway! Challenge yourself to try something new and unfamiliar and see what becomes uncovered along the way. If you find yourself editing, critiquing, or judging your board take a break and remember, you’re here to return to the joy of creating your life exactly as you’d like it to be.
Dream Bigger: Your Vision Board is home to your wildest dreams, so don’t limit them. Let yourself dream even bigger. When we identify something as impossible, then we certainly will never see it come to fruition. When we honor our desire (no matter how big) we might just find ourselves surprised.
Grab your scissors and glue, or your laptop and open yourself up to the power and possibility of viewing change, growth, and gratitude through a new positive lens.
Keep A List
What makes this different from a journal practice? Well, this list is not one you sit down and fill out all at once. This list exists in a note on your phone, or in a planner or notebook you carry around with you. For this practice, you are tapping into mindfulness.
Create a space for your list to live. Know that it is there for those moments you pause and recognize that you are grateful. Pull our your list and add what it is about that moment you are grateful for: the sunshine, the coffee you have in hand, the smile from a loved one...
Big and small, when we move through life slowly enough, we will find that there is plenty to be grateful for. When you begin this practice, be prepared to start seeing heart-warming and gratitude-inducing moments everywhere.
Let Them Know
When you are feeling grateful for a good friend, loved one, or even a stranger at the grocery, let them know! We all know the warm and fuzzy feels of being appreciated, and inspiring that within someone else is just as heartwarming. Don’t wait to share your love for someone when they pop into your mind or heart.
Call, text, write a letter, send a small gift, and let them know right there on the spot that “I see you, Thank You”
Accept The Love
How many times have you explained your way out of receiving a compliment?
That’s what I thought. Here is your reminder and invitation to Let Yourself Accept the Love! I too have struggled with this in the past, and I believe it to be the vulnerability factor that can make us feel uncomfortable receiving compliments and words of appreciation. How can we begin to allow ourselves to receive these messages?
Give yourself compliments! In the morning, when you are getting ready for your day begin to note how you are feeling: I feel beautiful today, I feel strong today, I feel like I could do anything today. External love begins in self-love. Allow yourself to see and praise all of that you are. This will begin to get us familiar with receiving these words and allowing them to actually enter your heart and settle there.
Don’t laugh it off. Think about how you receive compliments now. What is your initial reaction? If it feels challenging to simply accept the words and let them wash over you, here are some alternative replies:
That is thoughtful of you to say.
I appreciate you sharing that with me.
That is so nice to hear.
Thank you, you’ve made my day!
Then, allow yourself to actually marinate in the compliment. Don’t brush it off, don’t reason it away, honor that you mean so many things to so many people and they are grateful that you are part of their lives.
Celebrate
From gratitude comes abundance. Take the time to celebrate what you are grateful for when you feel grateful for it! These moments of celebration strengthen our relationship to gratitude and invite in even more beauty. How you celebrate is up to you! Whatever you do, enjoy it.
Written by Roe Johnson originally for the Thrive Yoga Blog.