A quick internet search will reveal that there’s a LOT of science that supports a practice of gratitude to improve overall health and well-being. I found this nice little blog that lists 31 actual science-based benefits of practicing gratitude!
(Check it out – but be sure to come back to learn how to achieve these benefits. Benefits of Gratitude )
Well, I’d say that’s a pretty good argument for thinking about gratitude more than one month out of the year. The benefits of gratitude are real – but the caveat is that achieving them really requires daily practice.
Like the old saying says, “Practice makes perfect!”
I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit lately. If you’ve read my book, you know I encourage the idea of thinking about gratitude like peeling away the layers of an onion.
For example, if asked what we are grateful for, we might intellectually be able to spout off how we are grateful for our home, our family or our health.
But what does that really FEEL like?
Using the example above, what is it about my home for which I’m grateful?
I’m so thankful to have a roof over my head. I’m not out in the street. I am warm and safe and dry. I have a place to welcome family and friends. I have a sanctuary from the world where I can simply be me.
As I peel away the layers of why I am grateful for my home, I begin to feel differently – better.
I feel happy, warm, comforted, at ease….grateful.
It’s when we can dig down to the experience of gratitude – the feeling of being grateful – that the miracle of transformation takes place. And it doesn’t have to be something major. It could be having clean water, the taste of a favorite food or drink, a cold slice of watermelon on a hot day or steaming cup of hot chocolate after shoveling snow.
Something so simple and quick can make a huge impact in our health and our relationships.
Sounds lovely right? So what’s the catch?
Well, first you have to actually spend five minutes a day peeling your gratitude onion until you get passed the tough superficial layer and down to the juicy, sweet heart of why you are grateful. You’ll know you’re there when you feel the warm glow expanding in your heart center.
Second – There is no second! That’s it. Just repeat the first step daily and maybe you’ll love it so much you might do it more than once a day!
With that, I’d like to leave you this month with some quotes on gratitude that may inspire you to peel your gratitude onion just a little more this month and maybe throughout the year!
Make it a habit to tell people ‘thank you.’
To express your appreciation, sincerely and
without the expectation of anything in return.
Truly appreciate those around you,
and you’ll soon find many others around you.
Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it.~ Ralph Marston
Appreciation is a wonderful thing:
It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.~ Voltaire
Appreciation is the highest form of prayer,
for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever
you shine the light of your thankful thoughts.~ Alan Cohen
If the only prayer you say in your entire life
is “Thank you,” that would suffice.~Meister Eckhart
I don't have to chase extraordinary moments
to find happiness - it's right in front of me if
I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.~ Brene Brown
Until next time, with gratitude.
P.S. Homework assignment #1. Make a nightly practice of writing down and experiencing 2-3 things for which you are grateful.
P.P.S. Here’s a thought for your Thanksgiving tradition. If you’ve had a practice of going around the Thanksgiving table and sharing what each person is grateful for, try playing the “peel the onion game.” Ask each person to share at least one reason why they are grateful for that thing. When the game has made it around the table, ask people to share how they’re feeling in that moment (besides hungry!)