Gratitude is a simple but essential way of being in the world. Given our media saturated live it is all too easy to become numbed out to the suffering of others. Gratitude can be a powerful antidote to the cynicism or hopelessness we may experience. This simple practice was created by Mayo Clinic professor of medicine Amit Sood M.D.
Dr. Sood states that “gratitude is an acknowledgment and appreciation for things, experiences or people.” When we extend gratitude to those beings most supportive to us it can help reduce our sense of helplessness, anxiety, loneliness, alienation and even depression.
You can use the practice anytime, however doing it upon waking or going to bed can be particularly healing. Begin by taking three deep breaths, feeling into the chest and heart area and invite the body to soften and relax. Now bring into your awareness each being one at a time you wish to extend gratitude to. You can even silently say their name as you send gratitude and appreciation, do this for 5-10 seconds, you can even invite an inner smile into your awareness. Send gratitude one at a time to 5 or more beings and end the practice by sending gratitude yourself. That’s it. Enjoy and pass on the gratitude one appreciation at a time.
I extend gratitude and give thanks to:
loved ones……….
friends……..
colleagues……..
nature…………….
pets…………….
colleagues………..
people who have died…………
inspiring people…