Last month, I read and reviewed Kristi Nelson’s ‘Wake Up Grateful‘. At present, I’m going through The Gratitude Explorer’s Workbook also by Nelson and will review it soon. Today, in the midst of absolute chaos and tragedy in India caused by Covid 19 (and aggravated by an arrogant Government), it’s easy to give in to fear. I realise more deeply that the gifts of gratefulness are what will once again see me through these dark days.
It is especially when life feels too small or big to handle, too predictable or uncertain, that we need the gifts of gratefulness.
Kristi Nelson, Author of Wake Up Grateful
The Gifts Of Gratefulness
When we look at the beauty of the world around us, it’s hard not to be grateful. Let me share these two pictures I took from different vacations a few years back. The stunning colours had be bewitched.
Here are two exercises from The Gratitude Explorer’s Workbook that I found useful so far.
#1 Become Fully Present
I did this as soon as I woke up this morning. It helped me right through the day.
This exercise invites you to use your breath and your senses to become fully present to the moment and really enjoy the gifts of gratefulness. You can use it through the day.
- Pausing for stillness, I am aware
- Taking a deep breath, I notice
- Tuning into my body, I feel
- Embracing silence, I hear
- Slowing down, I notice
- Paying attention, I smell
I invite you to stop for just a moment now and do this exercise. Let me know how you felt at the end of it.
#2 Look With Fresh Eyes
I just tried this one and really felt good.
Take one minute to notice some of the opportunities to be grateful that are readily available to you right now.
- Looking for reasons to be grateful, I notice
- Looking for beauty, I see
- Looking for surprise, I discover
- Looking at my life through others’ eyes, I see
- Looking for opportunities to be grateful, I am aware
Again, I’d love to hear how useful you found this exercise. Did you experience the gifts of gratefulness?
Joining Sandee , Natasha and Steve for WordlessWednesday – only my posts are never wordless!
Love the colours of the flowers in the photos.
Last year, this time I was having a hard time feeling grateful about anything in my life. Suffocation was what I suffered from everyday. Anxiety was reaching roof top levels resulting in frequent outbursts of tears. This time around, the covid situation is far worse than last year and it has reached my close quarters. There are moments when fear touches me and yet I am able to practice gratitude. I feel grateful that my family can study and work from home and can stay indoors unless it is supremely necessary to go to the shop to buy essentials. I am grateful to have enough books (which I didn’t have last year) and yarn to keep me busy at home and take my mind away from anxiety.
Anamika Agnihotri recently posted..Who will I look for in a room full of people? #SoulfulSunday
You have a very interesting blog. Thanks for visiting me too. There is much to be thankful and grateful for even in the midst of sadness . I choose to look for small acts of kindness, that is what is important. We must remain strong. I hope you will have a wonderful weekend. These days pass by so quickly for me. Thank you for all you do.
Anne Robinson recently posted..Thankful Thursday
Forever grateful for the gift of gratitude in my love. Enjoyed doing the exercise on a day when I’m grieving a dear one, and juggling between home and work.
Thanks Cory, for this warm, heartening addition to #WW.
Love, and light. <3
Natasha recently posted..I’ll be away on a healing break…
The flowers are most beautiful. They made me smile.
What a lovely post on being grateful. You’ve nailed it perfectly.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous day, my friend. ♥