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Practice True Gratitude

posted by Cait Johnson Aug 28, 2004 12:13 am
Practice True Gratitude
219 comments

By Cait Johnson, author of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air (SkyLight Paths, 2003).

These days, so many of us are feeling stressed or afraid of not having enough. Fear is everywhere. But a True Gratitude practice can go a long, long way to alleviate those uncomfortable feelings of scarcity and fear.

The secret is that where there is gratitude, there isn’t room in the human heart and consciousness for fear. Here are some simple ideas and suggestions to help us open our hearts to the blessings of each moment, and feel thankful rather than fearful, here:

1. Start by Witnessing. When you catch yourself feeling tense, anxious, or afraid, just notice that those feelings are coming up. Give yourself permission to feel them. There is no shame in responding to life with tension or fear. Life can be pretty anxiety-provoking and scary!

2. Name Three Things. When you do notice yourself feeling anxious or scared, think of three things for which you are really grateful. They can be really small–”The sweater I’m wearing is really warm and comforting”–or large–”I’m grateful for the presence of my son in my life.”

3. Write them Down. You can designate a special blank book to be your Gratitude Journal (there are so many gorgeous blank books available these days). Soon you will have a beautiful list of things to reread in the wee hours to soothe yourself when you can’t sleep or you‘re feeling upset.

4. Gratitude Mantra. I often do this when I’m driving: I simply remind myself of all the things I can think of right now in the moment that make me feel grateful. You don‘t need to really think much–just start naming. “I’m grateful for the trees turning colors. I’m grateful that I can breathe. I’m grateful that my car runs. I’m grateful that I have enough to eat.” Sometimes the list is short. Other times, I reach my destination and I’m still thinking of things! See what you can come up with. (Nature is a great prompter; when all else fails, I can be grateful for the sky and the rocks, the deer, the wind, and the hawks soaring overhead.)

5. In This Moment. Here is a healing affirmation that promotes gratitude: “Right now, in this moment, I have enough.” It is true. And it is a deep balm for fearful-future thinking. Let’s all be grateful for the enough-ness of the present moment!

More on Guidance (530 articles available)
More from Cait Johnson (396 articles available)

219 comments

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219 Comments       add a comment »
Rand Albrahim

i'm grateful for my friends who stood by me in tough times and i'm grateful for the fun times we spend together ,i'm grateful for my school and teachers and i'm grateful for my sister for being such a wonderful sister:D

Rand Albrahim

i'm grateful for my friends who stood by me in tough times and i'm grateful for the fun times we spend together ,i'm grateful for my school and teachers and i'm grateful for my sister for being such a wonderful sister:D

Stephany H.

When i think of others who have nothing and i have everything my gratitude rises. I have a home, a good family, wonderful supportive friends, adorable pets, God and religion, a right to an education and my life. I am very grateful and i thank God every single day for blessing me. I admidtt that i've been selfish in the past and more selfish times our coming in the future. But i will always be grateful for what i do have and never wish more for myself when someone else needs it. " Whoever said that you became poor by giving" That's what Anne Frank said and she is right.

Adriana Dorazco

I am so grateful for found this page and have the opotunity of learn about another kind of live, more healthy, compasive and respetful.

Jasmina Sabrihafizovic

I actually started a similar journal, in which I write things that I did to make a difference, small and big, with a date (sometimes I write a few every day and sometimes I don't write anything a few weeks). Like for example: "Today I spent a whole hour dancing.", "I gave some money to a poor lady I met on the street.", "I smelled a rose in front of my building.", "I smiled to my bus driver.", "I got a raise.", etc. Written this way, the sentences remind me of what I'm grateful and how good person I am, at the same time. I read them when I'm depressed as well as when I'm scared. And it really works.

Rob Stradmeijer

ok

Laura Sierra

i am grateful that the sun rises every morning. i am grateful that birds still fly and sing. i am grateful that the earth still turns and that we all are still alive.

Deborah Mccormick

I LIKE THE IDEA OF A GRATEFUL JOURNAL!I'M GOING TO START ONE.TY

Tassa Rose

Grateful for Family and the Few GOOD Friends who care.

Trina P.

I am grateful that as strangers we all have the same things to be grateful for which unifies us all.

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