Of-Mindfulness-And-Gratitude

of mindfulness and gratitude – practicing saying thank you

I’ve been working on becoming more mindful for a few months. I don’t do it as a ritual or indulge in mindfulness practices on a daily basis (yet) but I’ve definitely become mindful of being mindful. If that makes sense. I have one of those minds that doesn’t rest. I have to purposefully push the brakes and take time off thinking. Mindfulness helps you do just that.

However, practicing mindfulness doesn’t automatically guarantee you happiness. You can be aware of your present moment and still not feel good. Part of deriving happiness from mindfulness is to be grateful. Recognize that in a given moment you have a roof over your head, food on the table, clothes to wear and million other things that are ‘right’ rather than focusing on a few that aren’t. Now I acknowledge that people can’t always think that way. The human mind is wired to expect conflict and inconvenience and we are continuously working on resolving or preventing such circumstances.

The Secret

One thing that has driven my attention to making a conscious effort towards being grateful is the book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. I have to admit the message of the book in itself seems too good to be true. I don’t entirely agree that one can achieve everything in life just by having positive thoughts. However, this book has helped me set the intention of having positive thoughts and being grateful.

Pick up any religion or spirituality and you’d see that they ask their followers to practice gratitude frequently. These schools of thoughts and beliefs may starkly differ from each other but the Venn diagram overwhelmingly overlaps at the point of gratitude. What this tells me about the human mind is that the ultimate satisfaction and key to happiness lies in becoming the master of gratitude.

So these days I’m making a conscious effort to be grateful every day. I have to say that at the exact moment when I’m counting my blessings I feel an unexplainable joy. It feels like I have control over my life and within those moments everything is as it should be.

Now I’d like to prolong this feeling of joy and make this a default. It’s easier said than done but I’ve decided to work on it. From now on I’m going to log my gratitude. I’ll write down at least 3 things I’m feeling grateful for every day. I’m hoping that it will create a pool of good vibes and perspective that I can turn to whenever I’m feeling low.

mindfulness, gratitude, the secret

The Secret Gratitude Book

One of my friends saw me reading The Secret and gifted me this amazing Gratitude Book that’s a part of The Secret merchandise. It’s been sitting in my cupboard hidden from the elements because why would you want to ruin this drool-worthy piece of stationery by actually writing in it. But I realize that’s stupid so now it’s going under the pen.

mindfulness, gratitude

  • I’m grateful for the friends who get me.
  • I’m grateful for the ability, time and space to write.
  • I’m grateful that I can use something as simple as words for my wellbeing.

On the left page called Gratitude Now, the book lets you log the things you’re currently grateful for. The right side is dedicated to Gratitude Intentions. It asks you to log all the things that you want and be grateful for them as if they have already been given to you. I think that’s a great way to keep you positive and keep asking for the things you wish for.

So today I’m going to jump right in and start logging. What are you grateful for today? Let me know in the comments below.

 

 

 

Comments

  1. As there’s no end to the desires,gratitude is a better way to be contented with what we have. Refined thoughts indeed!

  2. I absolutely LOVE The Secret! Have you seen the Netflix movie about it? I have all of Rhonda Byne’s books on Audible, and I think my next favorite one is The Power. Great follow up! I’m grateful for everything I am lucky enough to have. Great post, thanks!

  3. Practicing gratitude is something that really helps my mental health, I feel better afterwards!
    Love, Amie ❤
    The Curvaceous Vegan

  4. Terrific post. I’m also a big fan of Rhonda’s books. There are three sitting on my desk to remind me to keep positive thinking and gratitude front and center! Thanks for sharing this!
    Joan
    My Best Friend Adeline
    http://kindness-compassion-and-coaching.com

  5. Last year I attempted a gratitude journal where I’d write down something I was grateful for every day and it worked for a while but after a while, it felt forced and when I was having a really rough day, I found myself scraping the barrel for something to write. But now, I practice gratitude every single day but saying out loud or in my head what I’m grateful for, WHEN I feel grateful for it. That way its authentic and not forced. I think Yoga and mindfulness has really helped me with that 🙂

  6. I have tried writing down three things I’m grateful for each evening but I was rubbish with the routine!! It’s a really good exercise though! Today I’m grateful that I live in this amazing place in Switzerland!

  7. I am grateful that I got the opportunity to read this blog… I am grateful that this write-up made me realize about so many great things in my life and I am grateful that this blog is written by my little tiny sister

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