Approaching the holidays can bring on a mixture of feelings and emotions. A great way to deal with this emotional jumble is to unlock gratitude. Let’s get you started on your way to unlocking the gratitude within.
- Find a comfortable quiet space to be. If you are sitting, rest your hands on your lap, your knees, or on your stomach if you are lying down. Tuck your chin slightly, relax your jaw, and softly close your eyes.
- Take three or more deep breaths welcoming the natural feeling of your breath as your mind slowly begins to relax.
- When you are ready, slowly inhale deeply while thinking I am grateful for, pause, and think or say the first thing that comes to mind as you slowly exhale, pause, and repeat.
- Allow your mind to spontaneously choose the word(s) each time as you exhale. You may be surprised what comes to mind. Some things may be serious, and others seemingly inconsequential or silly, but it doesn't matter. This is you on gratitude.
- Keep it going with each breath until nothing more comes to mind, for now.
- This exercise is a great way to begin and end your day. The things you are grateful for will begin to change and evolve as you unlock your mindful gratitude. You may find it awkward to begin with, but you will find the more you do it, the more comfortable you will be while doing it. The more comfortable you are, the more you will want to return to this gratitude space.
- Remember, you are just showing up. No expectations. No right or wrong way. This is your time.
Holidays or whatever days, this is the perfect time to move from our recent ah practice to unlocking and releasing gratitude. This exercise will help you recognize the good in your life. Don’t be surprised by how wonderful you feel afterwards.
With tremendous amounts of gratitude,
Michelle