Practicing Gratitude & Observing Calm
Finding balance in the busy-ness of today’s universe has certainly become one of our primary challenges. The practice and art of learning to pay attention to what is really important, while staying present to gratitude, thankfulness and joy is necessary for our wellness, in all it’s forms. Daily acknowledgements of kindness, positive thinking, generosity and calm enable us to find our favorite selves.
Below please find some essential daily habits to utilize, such that we consciously improve HOW we embrace the state of gratitude in each of our lives, and enhance our understanding of the nature of joy. Both gratitude and joy begin with awareness.
5 Easy Habits For Daily Gratitude Practice:
1) Thank your universe for all that it has given you in one easy sentence, before you roll out of bed: “Thank you for this day, for my body, my mind and my spirit.”
2) Honor HOW you feel as you wake up and start to negotiate your daily routine. Acknowledge wherever you are by saying: “Today is a new day, and I am thankful for whatever I am feeling/thinking/doing and will work to embrace positive energy and calm as I learn to love my body/mindset.”
3) Say thank you to yourself and strangers, whenever you are given that opportunity. If this strategy is less visible to you, create it: “Thanks, self, for a great stretch before my long day. Thanks, (Starbucks friend), for making that coffee with lovely energy!”
4) Take deep breaths to allow your body to be present in better FORM. Inhale on the 4 count, exhale on the 4 count. Relax your face and shoulders, eyebrows and jaw, and smile to the outside world. Just try.
5) Keep a small pad of paper (yes, take a break from your phone) at your desk, bedside table, or kitchen counter. Write down words you LOVE a few times a day. Write down ONE thing you are proud of at the end of your day. Re-read this selection after 30 days of doing it deliberately and with intention.
5 Ways to Observe & Practice Joy in Ordinary Things:
1) Sing out loud for the fun of it whenever you are able. Pick your happiest song (even from childhood) and sing gloriously, without fear of how it may sound, for at least a few minutes each day. Trust. It’s an energy and mood enhancer—great for joy activities in the making.
2) Jump in the leaves, skip down your driveway, or walk with the silliest, most ridiculous arm swing for at least 5 minutes. If you prefer, you can also call a friend to walk move with you. For FUN and lightness: Aim to NOT step on any cracks on the sidewalk! Or, try to engage in another happy childhood or adult habit just for a few minutes. What does it feel like to be playful? Start recognizing this sensation again if it is lost. Joy often comes from stepping out of comfort zones and learning to recognize the power of playfulness. These techniques are great starter habits.
3) Observe the sky, the grass, the trees, the subway , the cars, the buses—whatever is around you, and acknowledge the noise of the EARTH. Remind yourself that we are connected to everything—which is in fact, a joyful and fabulous thought to behold. The planet and everything on it, is collectively miraculous.
4) Dance in your kitchen for 5 minutes to music that requires you to step out of your seriousness/responsibility mindset, and embrace the feeling of your body moving through space, however it can do so. Remember that movement—and kinetic energy—are amazing.
5) Call someone you love and tell them they bring JOY to your life because they have: Taught you, reminded you, and nurtured you.
Tell them you appreciate that they: Embraced your flaws, celebrated your successes, humbled your ego and empowered your growth.
Have a fabulous day. Go be a force of good and joy in the universe.