(Photo by Mark Casey, courtesy of Unsplash.com)
As December holidays give way to New Year celebrations, it’s a good time to move beyond the wrapped presents received and re-awaken to life’s gifts. As you make your way through the new year, you can return to this foundational practice as a way to (re)awaken to the daily gifts you’re offered, especially those that are easy to take for granted.
Step One: Name Three Things You’re Grateful For
Pause for a moment and bring to mind three “ordinary” things you’re grateful for right now. Choose three things you might not typically stop to appreciate, and write them down.
Stop Two: Remember That It Could Be Otherwise
For each item on your list, close your eyes and take a moment to give thanks for this gift in your life. If helpful, use this sentence prompt:
- I’m grateful for [fill in the blank]; without it, [fill in the blank].
Step Three: Make It A Grateful Day
For a full day, enjoy adding to your list one item at a time. Focus on the gifts available to you—especially those you may take for granted.
Step Four: Reflect
In what ways did this simple practice shift your perspective or change how you felt throughout the day? What brought you joy or surprise, and what was challenging or got in the way? What aspect of this practice would you like to carry forward, and who might you invite to join you?
Source: grateful.org
