My Simple (Yet Powerful) Gratitude Practice
- elizabethtrabertpi
- Mar 11, 2024
- 2 min read

We hear about the power of gratitude all the time in the wellness world. If you're anything like me, you've written a list of things you're grateful for in your journal many times over, and occasionally, you even acknowledge something going well in your life with a close friend when out at dinner. But most of us look at gratitude as something to be checked off our self-care to-do list rather than a practice that has the power to change our lives.
There is one key component that must be included in your gratitude practice to make it transformative, and most people completely miss it. It's the act of deeply feeling gratitude - mind, body and spirit. Allow me to explain.
First, get in a comfortable position, whether that means lying down with a blanket over you, resting in the bathtub, or sitting in your favorite chair. Put your distractions away, and when you're ready close your eyes.
Next, think of something you're grateful for in your life. It can be an experience, a person, a recent success, or a delicious dinner you had last night. Once you have it, begin focusing solely on that chosen thing.
Begin connecting with your senses around it. How did this experience feel, taste, smell, look, sound? For example, if you chose a hot cup of coffee from this morning as what you're grateful for, think back to how it smelled when you brewed it. Bring to mind the coffee mug you poured it into. Reflect on how you felt while drinking the coffee. Did it make you happy? Did it bring you warmth and a sense of self-care? I m m e r s e yourself in the details. Pro Tip: Try not to get stuck on getting clear on all 5 senses. The goal is to get yourself back into the feeling of this experience, and the 5 senses are just a tool to do that. Be creative with how you best connect with the feeling. There is no wrong way to do this.
As you fixate on the positive feeling this person, experience, thing gave you, take a moment to thank the universe (or whatever higher power/being you believe in) for it. This is a great time to bring in the mantra - "Yes, thank you, more please." Pro Tip: If it feels natural, allow a smile to form on your face as you let the feeling of gratitude move throughout your body.
Repeat this exercise with as many gratitudes as you please.
Remember, this practice takes repetition so keep showing up to it as often as possible. I personally find slow mornings and evenings before sleep, best. I promise, you will see transformative results (more joy and more to be grateful for).
댓글