A dollop of Gratitude
Gratitude |ˈgratɪtjuːd|
Noun [ mass noun ]
the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return the kindness.
As psychology starts focussing on understanding positive emotions, rather than distress, the practice of ‘gratitude’ is becoming more widely acknowledged as a powerful way of changing our negative thought patterns.
It is stated that grateful people are happier, less depressed, less stressed, and more satisfied with their lives and social relationships.
Do you ever have the feelings of:
‘What am I here for, what’s the point?’
As a person with depression, I used to encounter these thoughts on a daily basis.
Over time, different medications, ways of living, especially adding gratitude and meditation into my life, I honestly can’t remember the last time I said these words.
I’m sure you’re not an ‘ungrateful’ person, as I wasn’t.
We see the News and know that there are atrocities happening all around us and I’m sure you say;
“Gee, I’m grateful that’s not my family or me.”
But when we want to change our deep seated thought patterns, the neural pathways in our brain, we need to work harder, and it has to be a dedicated practise.
If you have listened or read anything from me before, you’ll know that I advocate bringing small changes into your life to make big differences.
Here are a few ways to bring this life-changing practice into your everyday;
as you wake, say ‘thanks,’ and take a deep loving breath. (During my deepest depression, this was one of the hardest practices for me, as my first thought was, “Oh sh*t, not this again. How the hell am I going to make it through another day.”)
As you sit at your computer, or in your car, do a body scan and send little ripples of thanks to each part of your body. This can be done in 20 seconds, please don’t tell me you have no time.
At dinner, turn off all devices and screens. Before the dinner, thank the person that has made the dinner and send some gratitude to the people that allowed the food to be there e.g. packers, growers, shop assistants, truck drivers, etc.
During dinner, have a chat with your family about what they can be grateful for.
Do a gratitude meditation. Here’s one for you: https://youtu.be/mhxwBaMX4kw
Allow the last thought before you go to sleep to be a gratitude thought. For example; I am grateful for this bed, I am grateful for my friends, I am grateful for my job that supports me.
I thank you for reading this post, and I am grateful for YOU.
Love Victoria
