Discover the benefits of incorporating a gratitude practice into your day and learn how to start your own.
I had spent over twelve hours at the hospital that day.
The morning had started with him having a small heart attack, setting off a cascade of other events.
Id taken a mental snapshot of that moment and carried it with me the whole cab ride home.
I still carry it.
So what the hell was I going to write?
So I thought about when I had smiled that day.
I was 32 and in a complicated and negative relationship.
My dad wanted better for me than I was allowing myself in the romance department.
By the way, you dont need to be in crisis to benefit from gratitude rituals.
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Okay, So What Exactly Is Gratitude, And Why Is It Important?
Licensed Professional Counselor,Jennifer A.
Gray, explains, Gratitude isn’t about forcing fluffy, feel-good emotions.
Think of gratitude as a muscle you build by acknowledging the favorable elements of life, big or small.
She adds that practicing gratitude in your own life benefits others too.
It creates a ripple effect, spreading positivity and inspiring appreciation in the people around you.
What Is a Gratitude Ritual?
A gratitude ritual is a practice through which you tap into gratitude.
There are so many different types of gratitude rituals to try.
If youre a visual person, you might like Grays suggestion.
Get a brand new stack of your favorite color post-it notes.
Write down something you are grateful for, big or small, on each paper.
Surround yourself with these tiny love notes reminding you of life’s beauty.
Additional Gratitude Rituals to Try:
How Do You Get Started With a Gratitude Ritual?
Photo:Stocksy / SHAPE
Want to start a gratitude ritual but feeling overwhelmed?
you could start with tiny steps.
Make the ritual a part of your morning routine.
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Spiritual teacher and bestselling authorGabby Bernsteinloves making gratitude part of her morning routine.
She recommends a brief, relaxed gratitude meditation in the morning.
Link your gratitude ritual to something you already do habitually.
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Gray recommends linking your gratitude practice to something you already do every day.
Always refilling your coffee cup throughout the day?
Name something you are grateful for each time.
Does your cat crawl across your laptop a lot?
Intentionally name something you are thankful for with each feline interruption.
Build the muscle, whether it feels necessary or not.
Make yourself accountable.
Moody says, Do [your gratitude practice] with someone else!
Also, you’re building relationships by cultivating gratitude."
A daily gratitude ritual can help you cultivate feelings of gratitude on a regular basis.
