Did you know that people that are grateful are generally happier, live longer and have healthier lives? According to many studies, individuals that practiced gratitude exercises were generally in better moods, suffered less headaches and colds, and had more positive attitudes overall.
Last year, during this time, I went through a hard break up, and my mom back home in Venezuela was very sick. It was a very hard time for me and my family and I was struggling to remain optimistic. I took refuge big time in meditation, and knowing the information I shared above, I took a lot of time in one particular meditation which I am going to share below.
It is a very simple exercise that I now do every single morning as soon as I become conscious. You can extend the meditation until your mood shifts to a better place, the length of it it depends on how you are feeling. For example, I used to do this mediation for about 20 minutes at a time last year because I felt like crap, nowadays for about 5 minutes for I wake up mostly in a good mood.
My Gratitude Meditation:
I hope that everyone today has a chance to spend the day full of joy and gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving and Hanukkah everyone!
With Love,
P
Last year, during this time, I went through a hard break up, and my mom back home in Venezuela was very sick. It was a very hard time for me and my family and I was struggling to remain optimistic. I took refuge big time in meditation, and knowing the information I shared above, I took a lot of time in one particular meditation which I am going to share below.
My Gratitude Meditation:
- Sit down or lay down and take a few moments to find your breath and shift your attention inward. Do this for about 20 breaths, until you feel focused and present.
- If you're going through a particular hard time and can't focus, think of a place or a person that makes you happy (for me is my nephews), and focus on them, while you breath. This will help you focus.
- Once you have shifted your energy to a more positive place, take an inhale and say "I am thankful for ___________" and exhale while thinking of this particular person or thing.
- Go through as many things as you can think of. For example, your warm bed, the coffee waiting for you in the kitchen, your family, your job, your friends, your lover. Nothing is too small or too big to be thankful for.
- If there is one thing in particular you are extremely thankful for (for me this is where my sisters, my students and my closest friends come to the picture) spend some time there, picture them happy, and feel your gratitude extend all the way to them.
I hope that everyone today has a chance to spend the day full of joy and gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving and Hanukkah everyone!
With Love,
P
