For those days when it doesn’t emerge spontaneously.

Cultivating Gratitude

Some days gratitude emerges beautifully and unexpectedly like a wildflower sprout whose seed carried by the wind took refuge in a tiny patch of dirt that lay at rest. It wasn't planned. It wasn't expected. It wasn't even desired. But there it is. Thriving.

Other times our gratitude needs to be tended and cultivated. We need to amend the soil and turn it. We need to carefully plant seeds at the correct depth. We need to make sure they have just the right amount of sun and water. The end result is the same. A flower sprouting up and thriving.

The important thing is that if we want a flower garden we don't just lay in wait expecting wildflowers to plant themselves. We will welcome the volunteer wildflowers but not rely on them. 

So on those days when gratitude does not just emerge spontaneously, what works for you to cultivate gratitude? I'll share some of the things that work for me but please do the same for you. We are all different and have our own gratitude best practices.

For me it starts with my thoughts. Being very intentional with directing my thoughts. The times when gratitude does not emerge spontaneously I am usually filling my mind with thoughts of complaints or an overwhelming barrage of all the things I need to do. To continue with the gardening analogy it is like every single inch of soil is full of weeds. So the first step is to pull out the weeds and clear a path for flowers.

My Steps Before Practicing Gratitude

1. Decide to create space for gratitude.
2. Take a couple of deep breaths and get really present. For me this means focusing on my five senses.
3. If I am struggling with number 2 then I might need to change my environment. Usually this means I need to go somewhere alone. Going outside works really well for me but it's not always possible.
4. Decide that gratitude is possible. I know that I will be able to find something I am grateful for.
5. Think about what I am grateful for in this moment.
6. Don't judge the gratitude that emerges. It is all good and all welcome.
7. Write down what I am grateful for.

What works for you to cultivate gratitude?
 
 

 

The ancestor of every action is thought.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

What helps you to get ready for gratitude?

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[su_note note_color=”#e7e7e7″ text_color=”#686767″ radius=”0″] My gratitude journey started in May 2011 and continues to this day. Thank you for being a part of it! A daily gratitude practice is simple. Write down three things you are grateful for each day. Download your free GratitudeGuide. My clients focus on gratitude and learn from their successes to make the positive changes they want in their lives. You can too. Call me to set up our first meeting 505.333.9336. [/su_note]