Being grateful is perhaps one of the most essential elements for sustaining vibrant life, closely following the basics of food, water and sleep. Why is it that we tend to obsess about what isn’t perfect in life rather than noticing the things that are going well? We actually have lots to be grateful for, and when we plug into it, we generate uplifting neurotransmitters in our brain, our blood pressure stays healthy, our mood elevates, we smile and we are able to attract more good things into our experience.
For some people, I know the process can feel like starting a cold car on an icy morning. Here’s my top 10 list for effortless access to gratitude:
1. Think about or write down at least 3 things that went right this morning (like the shower was warm, I had food, the car started, clean clothing was available, my dog was happy to see me, I have a job to go to…….).
2. Think of your favorite color – and take 1 minute to notice where that color shows up around you. Enjoy the time noticing what you ordinarily would take for granted.
3. Hum, sing or just think about your favorite song. What emotions does this song bring to you? What memories or time period does the song bring to mind? Is it the music, the words or both that are so enjoyable. Find ways to bring this song into your life more often.
4. Make a list of your top ten life memories – your personal “best moments”. Make a point to revisit these memories in your mind on a regular basis.
5. Make a point to say thank you today for the small things – the service you receive, a kind gesture from a stranger, or someone who does business with you. Be sincere and look them in the eye with a smile. How does it feel?
6. Speak about good things with others. Talk about what you appreciate. Help others become aware of the power of gratitude. Find ways to build their emotions through gratitude fun. Ask somebody else about their favorite song or favorite memory.
7. Think about your favorite place in the whole world. Go there in your mind and experience the beauty once again. If it’s hard to pick one place, bask in gratitude knowing that you are very lucky to have access to such wonderful material!
8. At the end of the day, write down at least one thing from the day that you are truly thankful for in a gratitude journal.
9. Review your gratitude journal on a regular basis. Enjoy the memories.
10. Do the Gratitude Dance. Not sure what it is? Check out this wonderful little video for an uplifting experience at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NeMC1Fl3J0
What I do know to be solidly true is that we are created to enjoy life. Being joyful allows us to attract more good experiences and to be of greatest service to each other. Go out and spend the day seeing the beauty that surrounds you. When you do this, being grateful comes effortlessly.
