Do you have a gratitude practice? For me, it all began with Oprah and keeping a gratitude journal. From capturing small joys, it has grown into a practice and a mindset that fuels personal growth.
Like many, my gratitude journey commenced with a commitment to list three things I was grateful for each day. Initially, my daily list often included life’s comforts: the warmth of a hot shower, the comfort of a clean bed, and the familiarity of my daily routines.
Have you ever experienced the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon? When you notice something unfamiliar, and then suddenly, you encounter it everywhere. My nephew recently introduced me to the walking-on-cloud shoe called ‘on,’ and I started noticing it on my classmate, my neighbours’ son, and strangers in the shopping mall and on the shelves of shops I frequented.
Similarly, as I embraced a gratitude practice, I began to notice more and more things to be grateful for. My practice evolved beyond the ordinary, encompassing my safe journey to work, quality family time, the vibrant flowers in my garden, or a meaningful connection with someone. I even found gratitude in proposals won as well as those lost and in moments of despair or sadness.
Initially, gratitude helped me soften my inner critic, who always saw the glass as half empty. It took the edge off my harsh self-judgment and allowed me to embrace life with greater kindness. Experiencing gratitude was like filling my heart to the brim with peace and calmness.
The lens of gratitude helped me perceive opportunities, kindness, and beauty in places I hadn’t expected. It profoundly influenced the way I related to others. It fostered empathy, compassion, and a profound sense of interconnectedness.
Gratitude brings us into the present moment. Even if I was grateful for something that happened earlier in the day, the feeling of gratitude was in the here and now. It has a remarkable way of lifting us above the negativity of criticism, keeping us open, creative, and receptive to the options available, enabling us to generate positive outcomes.
Gratitude goes beyond the realm of emotions. Psychological research has shown that practicing gratitude can lead to increased well-being and satisfaction in life. It can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall mental health.
From a physical perspective, gratitude has been linked to lower stress levels, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced immune function.
Studies in neuroscience show that gratitude increases activity in the prefrontal cortex, enhancing our decision-making abilities. It also activates brain regions associated with reward, contributing to positive emotions. Neuroscience studies have also demonstrated how gratitude reduces activity in the amygdala, lessening negative emotions, and increases empathy.
As I reflect on my journey with gratitude, I’m reminded of the power of simple, daily practices. What began as a small exercise in counting blessings has grown into a profound way of being. As I write today, I’m grateful for the boundless capacity of the human heart to find joy in the act of giving thanks.
May your own journey with gratitude be as transformative—a journey that opens your heart, fosters compassion, and unveils the extraordinary beauty of an ordinary life.