Yesterday's intentional activity for Happiness was taking care of the Mind (through meditation) and the body (through exercise). (See yesterday's blog: http://harnessyourpower.blogspot.com/2017/01/2-ways-to-get-feel-better-and-be.html )
Today I offer another intentional activity: Practice Gratitude.
Gratitude is a research based intervention for increasing
people’s happiness and well-being. It helps to boost positivity and it can increase pro-social behavior by focusing on what is good and more.
Gratitude creates upward spirals of emotional well-being.
Actively using gratitude brings a state of appreciation. Appreciation tells the body loud and clear: "Good things are happening to me."
Here are some fun ways to practice gratitude...why not give them a try:
1. Gratitude Ping-Pong. Rather than sitting with a friend or family member to gossip or criticize others. What if instead you played this game of gratitude. Set a timer for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, each of you will take turns going back and forth sharing things you are grateful for! What kind of good energy could you generate by being grateful together?
2. Gratitude lists or gratitude journal: Taking time daily, or weekly to write out lists of everything you are grateful for will help you keep focused on all the good. Whether it is a big breakthrough or a small, daily gift we often overlook (like the fact you can breathe...or you have legs to walk)...taking the time to count your blessings one by one will increase your positive emotions.
3. Gratitude letter: Think of a person who has had a big impact on your life. Write them a 1 page letter telling them how grateful you are citing specific examples of how they have impacted your life. Then, consider either mailing or going IN PERSON and reading it to them aloud. This can create a remarkably powerful connection between two human beings. (Let me know if you do this one...and how it goes).
4. Put a reminder in your house, office or on your body to PRIME you for gratitude. You could wear a "gratitude bracelet" that you will see and feel and prompt you to be thankful. You could post a hand made sign in your environment to remind you to GIVE THANKS!
5. Each time you sit to eat a meal, use this time to GIVE THANKS and say a quick blessing. It is a simple way to incorporate gratitude into the day through a heart-felt prayer.
How might life feel better if you practiced one or more of these gratitude activities on a regular basis? Share your thoughts in the comments!
With Gratitude,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
www.patriciaomoqui.com
Intentional acts of gratitude have kept my happiness soaring. The more you practice, the more natural it become. I have written 2 gratitude letters so far, one time to a friend and the other to my mother. Each time I gave them the letter in person, and read my copy out loud to them, so they could follow along. It is such a powerful, loving way to connect with one another by reading it aloud to the receiver. I am already working on my 3rd letter...
ReplyDelete