“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
There is no shortage of positive effects gratitude has on your entire body, especially when recognizing how deeply the mind and body are connected.
In observing the effects of gratitude and how it impacts our health, we learn that practicing being grateful benefits us in so many ways, such as making us feel happy, helping us to release toxins, managing our stress, lowering blood pressure, improving sleeping patterns, strengthening our immune system, and so much more.
But, as a natural state: our minds tend to focus more on what we lack. Whether that be time, money, energy or maybe even love. These consuming thoughts are not allowing us to notice all the abundance we have in our lives, but instead we fall back on negativity or lack, making it more difficult to transition to an abundant or grateful state of living.
Let’s learn how to shift that critical and negative mindset by starting a regular gratitude practice that can change your life.
There’s so much to be grateful for, but it can be hard to remember with so much noise and distraction. Give your mind a moment to think clearly with a digital detox, so you can reconnect. Put your devices down and allow yourself to become aware of your surroundings and appreciate each moment you experience.
Grab a journal and quickly jot down 10 things you are grateful for. Try to do this everyday, and really envelop yourself in the feelings of gratitude while you write.
Sit in a quiet space and focus on your breathing for a few minutes. Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present, so you can remain aware of the blessings around you.
Practice Yoga. Take a pose that relaxes you. Not sure which one to take? Childs pose is perfect when you need to feel grounded in your body. While you are in this pose, bow your head to the earth and give thanks for the very ground that supports you. Take time to breathe in this pose, and feel your breath fill up the space between you and your mat as you feel gratitude flowing through your being.
Regardless of how you make the shift, practicing gratitude will help you lead a happier life, reconnect with yourself & the world around you, and help you to embrace a more abundant & fulfilled state of being.
If you find yourself wanting to transform your mind, body and soul – and be easily guided into a beautiful gratitude practice that works for you – consider a life changing yoga retreat Anamaya. Learn More Here.
