The Go-Giver - The practice of gratitude
The Go-Giver - The practice of gratitude
The gift of giving, receives gratitude in return, and it's a beautiful exchange that creates a ripple effect for the greater good.
Here we are, my husband and I enjoying our weekend ritual of a stop at our favourite vintage coffee van and a leisurely stroll in the nearby park. Here we enjoy the gift of hammocks and wind chimes amongst the shade of a beautiful tree.
A space to share with others passing by; conversations had, connections made.
Wonderful "Go-Givers" placed the hammocks here for all to enjoy. We don't know who they are, yet we are so grateful to them. And there is no doubt there have been many posts and photos shared of this space which would be a wonderful gift in return of appreciation.
I see these gestures occasionally in different places and it truly is a beautiful thing. An outdoor library in a local neighbourhood offering the exchange of books to read. Small grocery co-ops in local cafes offering the swap of home grown produce.
One thing I particularly love, is the simple smile and "hello" from strangers passing by.
There can be a lot of "Go Getting" and the attitude of "what's in it for me" in our world. Yet, if we open ourselves to giving more, there is a flow on effect and an abundance to receive for all of us.
THE PRACTICE OF GRATITUDE
The benefits of practising gratitude are endless. People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they're thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.
Simply keeping a gratitude journal—regularly writing brief reflections on moments for which you’re thankful—can significantly increase well‑being and life satisfaction.
Here are a few keys I’ve discovered—and research supports—that help not only to start a gratitude practice, but to maintain it
Broaden your perspective
The best way to reap the benefits of gratitude is to notice new things you’re grateful for every day. Stretch yourself beyond the great stuff right in front of you. Opening your eyes to more of the world around you can deeply enhance your gratitude practice. Broaden your perspective of noticing new things each day.
Make gratitude fun by mixing it up
One of the biggest determinants is autonomy, the ability to do things the way we want. So don’t limit yourself—if journaling is feeling stale, try out new and creative ways to track your grateful moments. Consider a gratitude jar, filling it up with written notes of daily gratitude to re-read at the end of the week, month or year. Another option is a video blog of recordings you are grateful for, or a montage of photographs of the moment that you are thankful for.
Be Social About Your Gratitude Practice
Our relationships with others are the greatest determinant of our happiness. So it makes sense to think of other people as we build our gratitude. Focusing our gratitude on people for whom we’re thankful rather than circumstances or material items will enhance the benefits we experience. You could write a gratitude letter to someone who had an impact on you whom you’ve never properly thanked. You could also share the day’s grateful moments around the dinner table. The conversations that follow may give you even more reasons to give thanks.
Research shows that being grateful increases happiness and gives us a greater sense of wellbeing. Expressing gratitude can positively change your brain, it boosts dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitters in the brain that improve your mood immediately, giving you those positive feelings of pleasure, happiness, and well-being.
The most valuable gift you can offer to others is yourself, your true authentic self, with love and gratitude.