Growing Gratitude
Dear ones,
Research shows that practicing gratitude can reduce stress, increase well-being, and improve physical health. Don’t believe me? Check out the research:
Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude
Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier
How Gratitude Changes your Brain
Gratitude can be an attitude, but it’s even more powerful if it is also a daily practice. In this article, therapist Andrea Brandt, PhD, MFT suggests the following ways to practice gratitude:
Practice “interior gratitude.” Keep a daily or weekly list of the things you are grateful for. Writing down three things you’re thankful for every day can change your brain and body in powerful ways.
Practice “exterior gratitude.” Write thank-you notes and put your gratitude to others on paper. For example, you could write a thank-you email to your best friend for supporting you through a bad breakup, or a letter expressing your appreciation for a colleague or family member. Science shows that even if you don’t give the note or letter to that person, the act of writing it is enough to gain the benefits.
Finally, “be grateful for useless things.” In other words, express thanks for the everyday stuff you usually overlook such as fresh fruit and air-conditioning. The simple act of saying “thank you” forges new positive pathways in the brain.
Today I am grateful for:
The invitation to be in community, activating & supporting healing
My ridiculously goofy and energetic dog who never fails to make me smile
The many things that are alive and growing in the world around me, including trees and tomatoes!
What are you thankful for today? Grab a post-it, write it down, share it out (or don’t)… and see what happens if you integrate intentional gratitude into your daily experience.
Gratefully,
Glynn
