Did you know that practicing gratitude invites JOY into our lives? Most people are well aware of that. However, let’s take it a step further. I’m not simply talking about being grateful for the things that are easy to love and identify with in our lives. For example, the nice house, a fabulous relationship, travel opportunities, and delicious food. Those are all wonderful things. However, I am speaking of going outside the box, and forming a different type of relationship with gratitude during this season of Covid-19. Cultivating the art of being grateful towards those areas in our lives that have caused the greatest challenge, and cracked us open during times of hardship. Through learning to shift our perspective on how we relate to these hardships is what holds the key for a deeper feeling of gratitude to spring forth, and transform our lives into joyful living.
“How is that,” you may ask?
Consider this: Gratitude works when we find something REAL in our lives to be grateful for, and put our attention there. Water meets like water. In other words, the universe matches our thoughts through vibration. Did you know that our bodies are composed of 75% water, our brains 85% water? Water carries vibration, and this can actually be used for healing ourselves of the toxic junk that causes stress-related illness, and keeps us feeling stuck. What we choose to put into our thoughts on a daily basis, in regard to ALL aspects of our lives, has a direct impact on our health, happiness, and well-being. So, in that light, negative attitudes are simply bad for you. If you invest in a way of seeing the world as mean and frustrating, you’re going to get back in return a world that is, well, more mean and frustrating.
So, how can we turn this all around? How can we create more room inside for a true feeling of gratitude to spring forth, even amidst the reality of hardship, using it towards greater freedom and well-being? Does this mean to live in a state of constant denial, and put our heads in the sand? Absolutely not. It’s about finding something REAL that we value, even the growth that comes during our most difficult trials, that brings this gratitude to light. Discovering what that means, and living from this place in our heart, can be life changing.
So, ask yourself this question. What are the things in your own life, and the qualities in other people that make you smile from the inside out? You know, like that special feeling that “lights you up?” I know for me, it’s having a deeper sense of purpose, loving acts of kindness, and feeling connected to my relationships and community in a soulful and meaningful way. It’s having courage to be real and vulnerable, even when it feels scary at the moment. I also love simple pleasures. These ingredients all create a feeling of nourishment, and enrich my life on a deeper level. It brings a flavor of quality and meaning to the everyday routine.
So, what fills your heart? What makes you smile from the inside out?
Through identifying those parts of your life that bring a deeper feeling of joy inside, let’s also re-consider those areas that are not always easy to embrace. For example, the painful divorce, losing your job, or feeling disappointed by life because you had different expectations of the outcome. This can really hurt. Not to mention, that hurt can linger on for years, and get stuffed down inside, creating toxic emotions that reek havoc on our health and vitality. So, how do we create safety to unravel those painful emotions, and learn how to embrace ALL aspects of our lives.... the good, the bad, and the ugly.... for greater health and joy? Here’s the secret. When our relationship from WITHIN transforms, everything around us transforms, as a result. We have no control, for the most part, what happens in our outer world. Nor do we have control over other people’s behaviors, and how they respond to us in relationship. However, we do have a choice in how we perceive those experiences, and choose to move forward. In other words, when we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.
Isn’t that ironic? Well, not really. Especially when you consider the theory that the universe matches us through vibration. Think of it like this. What you resist persists. It’s like being in the water with a huge beach ball. The more you try to push it down, it continues popping up and hitting you in the face. Have you ever had that happen? Can you relate? So, how about changing your relationship with that experience? Think of the beach ball as your area of challenge. Instead of trying to deny, or push down those places that are difficult to embrace, what about simply ALLOWING them to be there, and float to the surface? What if they have an important message to offer you? What if... they hold the actual “key” for your inner transformation, so your life circumstances improve for the better? Wow! Now, that’s worth considering. This is how we begin to turn the shadows in our lives into an actual GIFT. It is how we UNROOT the old patterns that keep us feeling stuck. For example, the blind spots we have developed along the way, which somehow sabotage our best efforts.
Here’s the good news. There is HOPE. It’s called the art of cultivating gratitude in ALL aspects of life. Living with gratitude is life changing. It has amazing benefits to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
So, during this season of Covid-19, as we take stalk of our lives and begin looking towards what lies ahead, let’s open our eyes a little bit brighter. Ask yourself this question. What are some things you have been personally struggling with recently, and how can you cultivate more gratitude in that part of your life? Did you know that this awareness is one of the best ways to reduce stress? During this global pandemic, creating an effective stress reduction plan is a vital skill. Knowing how to maintain your balance is also the key to vibrant health. Do you want to know what makes that even better? Practicing gratitude on a regular basis not only improves our immunity and increases our feeling of well-being -- it also increases our goodwill towards others. So, that leaves us feeling more connected and optimistic, as we become of service to others. When we feel connected to a larger purpose, we enjoy better moods, sleep well, and our physical health benefits.
So, here are some simple tips to cultivate gratitude in your life:
1.) Upon waking each morning, keep a journal of 3 things that you are grateful for. Make it a practice to tell a spouse, partner, or friend something you appreciate about them daily.
2.) Pause and reflect on something you have done well recently, and feel good about. Honor that. Take it in, and celebrate your accomplishments.
3.) If feeling angry or hurt, allow room for ALL of your feelings. Practice being your own best friend, and don’t stuff toxic emotions inside. Write them out, walk them out, sweat, shout, or cry. Whatever it takes, move that energy in your body, and then let it go.
4.) Take it one step at a time. We certainly can’t move mountains overnight. However, we can take the changes in our lives step by step, and stay grounded in the good stuff. These ideas create a ripple effect that spreads out for greater freedom in our lives, and has tremendous benefit.
So, in closing, I invite you to think of an experience in your own life. Close your eyes, and envision an area of struggle or hardship which has caused you pain. Notice what sensations come up in your body. Now, as you breathe in fresh energy and new life, EXHALE out the toxic emotions of that struggle. Envision a healing golden light permeating every cell of your being. Notice the warmth and loving energy it brings to your awareness, and allow it to fill you up inside. Now ask yourself, what wants to come forth inside? What are the subtle blessings and GIFTS of that experience? Did it teach you something new about yourself? About others? Were there any acts of kindness that helped you to shift your perspective, and actually see that situation in a more positive light? Now, invite in all those people who have stood for your greatness in life. Remember the ones who have touched your heart, helping you to stretch beyond your comfort zone, and shown you kindness and support along the path. In the same way they have lifted you up in safety, support, and love, I want you to shine that same healing light onto your area of struggle or hardship. Show yourself that same compassion. Envision this light as your favorite color – a vital green, an ocean blue, or a golden yellow from the sun. While shining this light inside, you can also send that healing light back to others, as well. This fills your energy with LOVE, which has the power to transform any stressful situation. Notice how you feel. Any lighter? Less restricted? More open and at ease? This shining light is the voice of your heart. It resonates with the REAL you.
When we learn how to live from this place in our lives, everything changes for the better. I strive each day to live with an open heart, and to cultivate COURAGE in doing so. My wish for you during this season of great change is to find that little voice inside your own heart that whispers gratitude. Listen. Take note. That voice holds the greatest gifts and blessings abound. Know that you are meant not just to survive, but THRIVE!
So, celebrate the truth of who you are, and step into joyful and fabulous YOU!
