The message of gratitude can sometimes get lost as the holiday decorations come out and the marketing machine of consumerism has one thinking thoughts that have moved beyond the Thanksgiving pumpkin pie to contemplation of festive Egg Nog. Let’s look at what gratitude is and living in a state of gratitude as we move through the season ahead.
Gratitude is an emotional state of appreciation and thankfulness. This is often confused by a consumer-driven emphasis placed on needs and wants. It is interesting that the Thanksgiving holiday based on gratitude is juxtaposed with the consumer driven frenzy of current-day Christmas. When thinking about the two holidays I am amazed at the range of sensations that arise within me. Emotions range from calm to overwhelm while physical responses run the gamut from deep breathes to a clenched jaw. Moving into the season of stress light, it is important to incorporate practices that will foster a sense of gratitude that encourages balance and calm. Here is a look at three simple gratitude practices…
Gratitude Journal:
My personal favorite gratitude practice is the gratitude journal. For me, it is a beautiful way to begin each day. It sets the tone for the day ahead and reminds me what I am grateful for, what went well the previous day and makes me walk through my day consciously looking for things that fill me with gratitude.
Gratitude Share:
We have a family gratitude ritual with our children on the nights we are able to incorporate family dinners into the rigorous extracurricular schedule. We go around the table with each person mentioning something they are grateful for. This could be something that happened that day or a continuous circumstance that they are thankful for. There are some nights where they aren’t excited to share anything and instead revert to “I’m thankful for mom’s dinner”. Regardless of what is shared it gives my husband and I a good barometer for where they are mentally. It also instills the practice of being consciously connected to gratitude.
Gratitude Tablescape:
A few years ago we began a tradition during Thanksgiving Dinner to write what we are grateful for on the family tablecloth. I found a neutral ivory linen cloth (you can use a tablecloth or runner) and some fabric markers to begin this tradition. We would write the one thing we were grateful for during the past year, sign it and date it. The fabulous thing about this tradition was that each year you could look back and see what your thoughts were in previous years and it also made you think of what truly filled you with gratitude that was important enough to place on the cloth for your future self to see. I am also able to see what thoughts inspired my beloved grandmother, with her wisdom and grace. This reminder warms my heart and makes me thankful for the years of love and guidance given by this beautiful angel who now watches over our Thanksgiving Dinner.
Including the practice of gratitude in your life can help to move you from overwhelm and stress to a state of blissful balance. Daily, weekly or yearly habits and traditions can consciously connect you to gratitude, which is directly linked to a sense of happiness and wellbeing… the perfect gift during the holidays.
If you haven’t already signed up to receive solutions & tips to help you live your best life, click here to receive your FREE E-Book and Bonus Gift, plus our weekly Home in Harmony Lifestyle Newsletter!
Happy Soaring!
XOXO
Picture credit goes to http://buyerselect.com/blog/fall-home-decor/