Practicing gratitude has helped me focus on what I want to achieve rather than dwell over what is missing in my life. I use gratitude as a powerful tool to remain healthy, happy and attract abundance into my life.
The energy that stems from gratitude is a positive one. Imagine your body as a human petri dish, with each cell as a mini human being-and all those cells interacting and talking to each other. When you feel grateful imagine all these little cells bathe in that healthy energy, healing your mind and body. Nice eh?
Today, on World Gratitude Day, I'd like to share my gratitude meditation with you. Through this focused exercise I express thanks for everything I have, the people in my life, and the blessings I receive-in fact, everything that makes my life special. It helps me focus my energy on appreciating what I have.
How to practice gratitude meditation
- Choose a place free from distractions preferably with soft lighting
- Switch off your cell phone
- Disconnect all media
- Get into a position of your choice: sitting, standing
- Begin by closing your eyes
- Focus on your breathing
- If thoughts enter your head, let them
- If you find yourself worrying about something, allow it to flow in and out gently
- Don't be annoyed if your mind wanders...it is natural
- Gently get back on track by focusing on nothing
- Let your body relax
- Allow your mind to reach a state of calm
- Think about what you are thankful for
- You can express your thanks by being grateful in general
- I recommend being specific about what you are grateful for, so think about the basics
- Express gratitude for your body; eyes that let you see; ears that let you hear others speak, music, mouth that lets you express yourself, eat, and so on. Think about the people in your life. Think about the beauty that you see around you-you can just go on and on until you feel truly wonderful.
Do this regularly-make it a habit. You'll find yourself feeling happier by the day.
I practice gratitude meditation first thing in the morning with a big mug of freshly brewed coffee. I stand in my balcony and watch the pigeons play, enjoying the early sunshine and the sounds around me. And I feel grateful.
Focusing on what you wish for can bring on constant feelings of discontent and a tendency to complain. Too many people do not realize the value of what they have until they lose it. Instead, how about counting your blessings? Through gratitude meditation, it is easy to attain inner peace.
As if the overall benefits of gratitude are not enough, there are health benefits too:
- higher energy levels
- healthier heart
- stronger immune system
- better sleep
- lower blood pressure
- enhanced psychological health
- less pain
Do you keep a gratitude journal? List three things you are grateful for.
Share this with me in the comments.
Writer, editor, blogger, social media enthusiast. Love DIY, Coffee, Music, Reading, Photography, Family, Friends and Life. Mantra: Happiness is a DIY Project. In my free time I play with my dust bunnies and show my diabetes who's boss. Tweet as @vidyasury
