The art of being grateful
So much is written today about being grateful and practicing gratitude. What are gratitude practices, and do they help?
According to Mindful (“How to Practice Gratitude”), practicing gratitude includes affirming the good things you have received and acknowledging the role others play in your life. The article further states that research indicates the benefits of a gratitude practice include improving your immune system and sleep patterns and feelings of optimism.
Practicing gratitude can take many forms. My practice takes the written form through daily journaling incorporated into my daily routine of scripture reading and prayer. My journaling contains my requests of God, those things I am grateful for, and three gains I have made. Documenting those things that I am grateful for reminds me that there is good in the world and in people, that we are surrounded by the beauty of nature, and that I am blessed through my family and friends. So, what do I often find myself being grateful for? A crystal-clear blue sky; an evening socializing with dear friends; an afternoon spent with my parents; assistance from people in growing my business; and the laughter of my grandchildren, to name a few. In writing these things down, I have to pause and think and appreciate. It causes me to focus externally and away from myself. It reminds me of how I have been blessed.
While my practice is through journaling, there are many other ways to practice gratitude. It may be as simple as taking a moment to recount those things you are grateful for while drinking your first cup of coffee. You could also incorporate gratitude in your evening routine by acknowledging those things or people that positively impacted you during that day. For those who have a daily family dinner, each person could share something they are grateful for. Several years ago, our family had a poster with a picture of a tree. We had note cards and would write those things others did for which we were grateful and attach them to the tree. How ever you choose to practice gratitude, for lasting effect make it one of your daily habits.
We are surrounded by news of hardship and tragedy and may be experiencing it ourselves. While we should not forget these things, they can dampen our spirits and joy. In this world, stopping to appreciate people, events, and things that you are grateful for is so important. Practicing gratitude can be a counterbalance to negative things allowing you to feel joy and live positively.