In the whirlwind of the new year, many of us find ourselves caught up in the tradition of crafting new year resolutions - ambitious goals that can often fade with time for some. They serve as a roadmap for individuals to strive towards throughout the year, aiming to create positive habits and achieve specific outcomes, and when achieved, give us a great sense of accomplishment. Resolutions, however, aren't for everyone and can end up being a time-pressure pot, which energetically creates stress and a sense of urgency, potentially hindering the natural flow of personal growth.
Gratitude is a powerful emotion and energy that shifts our focus from what we lack, to what we have. It’s a mindset that invites us to appreciate the richness of our lives, acknowledging both the extraordinary and the ordinary. Gratitude, scientifically, has been proven to reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Our brain releases dopamine and serotonin - the chemical messengers in the brain that makes us feel good, naturally motivating us and opening our senses to all that is within and around us. It opens us up to a harmonious flow of energy, attracting positive experiences and well-being, raising our energetic frequency to a higher vibration which radiates.
The beginning of my gratitude journey
A day in the Summer of 2008 is forever imprinted within my memory. I was walking through pretty Primrose Hill in London, UK, and I bumped into a lovely lady who used to be a regular customer at a boutique I worked in years before. We both recognised each other and immediately hugged and asked after our well-being. Just as we were about to part ways, she held my hand and said "I'm going to include you in my gratitude journal today". I beamed with happiness, and although I didn't know what a gratitude journal was at the time, I felt the energy of kindness from her. Fast forward a year, I remembered our chance meeting whilst I was travelling around the world and I got curious about what a gratitude journal was. There began this powerful practice in my life. My first ever entry was meeting her and the gift she shared with me and I love to pay this forward with my clients and now to you.
For many years I wasn't consistent with practising gratitude, and so I clearly see the difference in how I respond in a state of openness or not, but whenever I returned to it, the memory of that kind soul who gifted me the practice would always be the first entry again!
I invite you to quietly embrace the subtle power of gratitude as a catalyst for meaningful change as part of your journey. Let’s explore this path together and discover how choosing gratitude could be the key to genuine, lasting transformation.
Embracing Gratitude into the Present Moment
Gratitude brings us into the present moment. It prompts us to recognize the value in the here and now, contentment and a sense of fulfillment. Gratitude promotes an abundance of love and faith in ourselves and our surroundings.
Finding Joy in Small Moments
What if, instead of chasing grand resolutions, we found joy in the small, everyday moments? Gratitude allows us to celebrate the simple pleasures—sunsets, our pets, laughter, a warm cup of tea. These moments, often overlooked, hold the power to enrich our lives in profound ways. Gratitude is a beautiful way of nurturing and healing our Anahata (heart chakra) which is associated with gratitude, joy, love, compassion and empathy.
Cultivating a Positive Mindset
Resolutions can sometimes carry the weight of expectation, pressure and self-judgment. Choosing gratitude is about cultivating a positive mindset. It’s about appreciating our efforts, no matter how small, and recognizing the progress we make along the way. We become our own teacher, guide, friend, filled with motivation and thankfulness for the small and big things in our life.
Nurturing Connection and Community
Gratitude extends beyond the self; it creates connection and community. It allows us acknowledge and appreciate the people who contribute to our lives, whether we know them personally or not. Gratitude strengthens our relationships and creates a ripple effect of positive energy.
A Sustainable Path to Change
Resolutions often come with the pressure of immediate, drastic change. Gratitude, on the other hand, offers a sustainable and gentle approach. It’s a shift in perspective that accumulates over time, gradually shaping our attitudes and behaviours, towards our self and others.
In the gentle embrace of gratitude, the energy of healing quietly unfolds, nurturing the soul and inviting tranquility
5 Ways to Practice Gratitude
First thing's first - no rules! Gratitude, practiced daily is wonderfully powerful, but if you miss a day or more, don't worry, it still works. Including this practice into your life is more important and it is a non-judgemental practice! Here are five ways to practice gratitude as a gentle guide for you, which I also share with some of my clients as part of their Reiki journey with me!
#1 Daily Gratitude Journaling
Take a few minutes each day to jot down three things you're grateful for, morning and evening. This simple act helps shift focus towards positive aspects of your life. Many of my clients tell me they end up listing more than three (which is the same for me), because as time goes by, our senses open to more goodness around us! Being thankful for the day you had, having electricity, the trees that provide shade on your street, the support you got from someone in the day - there are so many things to include.
#2 Express Appreciation to Others
Express gratitude to the people around you. It could be a heartfelt thank you note, a kind message, or simply acknowledging their contributions. Add them to your gratitude journal or thank your local store owner. An exchange of thankful energy is so positive for you both!
#3 Feeling and Being
FEEL gratitude in the moment. Being mindful of the good things during our day creates a deeper sense of appreciation, and feeling it within brings it to life even more! Take a few seconds to acknowledge it and notice where you feel the love for that moment or person. You may even feel drawn to placing one hand on your heart and smile to embody the love in that moment.
#4 Gratitude Walks
During your walk, consciously appreciate the beauty around you. Whether it's nature, architecture, or simple everyday scenes, acknowledging them with gratitude enhances our connection to the present. I often ask my first time clients to notice the colours and textures of flower beds in front gardens on their way to work or even weeds (such as daisies!) and thank them for their presence! This practice is one my my personal favourites!
#5 Create a Gratitude Jar
Throughout the year, drop notes into a jar expressing moments of gratitude. Review these notes periodically or at the end of a year to remind yourself of the positive experiences and the growth you've experienced. You could also encourage family members and/or friends to come together to share those moments - a gratitude gathering!
So, what if this year, the focus is not on what needs fixing or giving up, but on what already brings joy and meaning to our lives? It’s an invitation to embrace a path of positive change - one rooted in appreciation, connection, and the simple joys of the present x
I would love to hear from you and your gratitude journey! Feel free to contact me directly via my website or DM me on my Instagram or Facebook.
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Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Discover additional blog articles and valuable insights, to nurture mind, body and spirit: www.quietlyhealing.com/blog
Blog written by Shephali, Reiki Practitioner at quietly healing
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