Gratitude. Superfood for Spirit.

Life is an unfolding, creative process that requires our active engagement. The perspective and attitude we embody is shaped, primarily, by our internal lens. Whatever we choose to focus on, we empower.

If we experience our lives as disagreeable, overwhelming or dull, our inner lens needs to be refocused. We need to shift the lens from empowering the negative in our lives to the positive.

The good news is that we have a refocusing tool at our disposal.

We have an inner key that - when turned again and again - will help us refocus our internal lens. It will help us reshape our perspective; allowing us to live a more vibrant, meaningful life.

That key is GRATITUDE. Gratitude is the superfood for our spirit.

By choosing to interact with all aspects of life with gratitude, our inner lens becomes laser focused on the nourishing, supportive and enriching elements that surround us. The positive becomes empowered.

This shift of perspective and empowerment helps us nurture and reclaim a feeling of satisfaction and security in our lives.

Of course, it’s fairly easy to be grateful for something positive in our lives. It is much harder when something difficult or painful arises.

Approaching difficulty with gratitude is not denying or dismissing the painful or challenging reality one is facing. Instead its about expanding the view and looking for the light - however small it may seem - that shines through the cracks. It could be as simple as being grateful for a restful sleep in a time of grief.

According to an article in Psychology Today by Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist and TedX speaker, gratitude research shows that -

Grateful people report experiencing fewer aches and pains and are more likely to care for their overall health and wellness.
Gratitude enhances empathy and sensitivity to others and reduces the likelihood of aggressive or retaliatory behavior.
Gratitude reduces toxic emotions like envy, resentment, frustration and regret. Studies show that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.
Gratitude promotes healthier sleep habits. A 2011 study suggests that writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep quality.
Gratitude improves self esteem and reduces social comparisons.
Gratitude increases mental strength and resiliency - and could play an important role in overcoming trauma.

Develop a Gratitude Practice.

Developing a gratitude practice is simple. Everyone has the ability and opportunity to cultivate gratitude. It’s one of the easiest ways to improve your overall satisfaction with life.

All you need to do is begin. Don’t wait - start now.

An easy first step is to practice present moment gratitude. Whenever you are waiting in line, running an errand or exercising - take a moment, look around and reflect.

Gratitude can be appreciated in something as simple as the smile of a stranger, the beauty of the sky or the strength of your breath. Explore the present moment deeply and you will find a nugget of gratitude waiting for you.

Another tool to strengthen your personal practice is to keep a gratitude journal. Make it a goal to write down at least five things you feel grateful for each day. You can keep the journal with you throughout the day to spontaneously jot down your gratitude or you can set aside a specific time of day, like the morning or evening, to write your reflections.

Begin and end each day with gratitude. Take an extra moment in bed before you start or end your day to reflect on the positive in your life.

It’s okay if, at first, you don’t physically feel the gratitude. It might even feel silly, foreign or awkward when you begin your practice. Be open minded, playful and roll with it.

The most important thing is to commit to regular reflection and to be kind to yourself in the process.

With time, your gratitude practice will help you cultivate a deep internal sense of satisfaction, trust and peace as your inner lens focuses on the beauty, love and support in your life.