Sowing Seeds of Thankfulness

Mindfulness is a psychological and contemplative practice rooted in ancient traditions. It involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment and fostering awareness of thoughts and feelings. Studies suggest it can enhance well-being, reduce stress, and improve cognitive functions.

There’s nothing like traveling to another country to bring you into the present moment! My husband and I recently returned from a trip to Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, to celebrate the wedding of two near and dear friends. If we weren’t being mindful, our helpful and friendly hotel staff would pleasantly remind us of small but important safety tips, like not being on our phones in public and keeping our heads on a swivel. In other words, pay attention! What a tremendous wake-up call about how much time and attention I give to my inanimate phone while life is everywhere, happening all around me!

The lesson above sums up how to practice mindfulness. It’s simple – be here now and pay attention. The same is true with your meditation practice. Sit, observe, repeat. The fountain of goodness resulting from being mindful includes the possibility of choosing your thoughts wisely. Being present in the moment leads to a deeper appreciation for the blessings in our lives. Gratitude is a choice and a mindset. You have to be mindfully aware to choose gratitude, and it’s a marvelous choice!

Gratitude is a positive emotion that involves being thankful and appreciative and is associated with several mental and physical health benefits. When you experience gratitude, you feel grateful for something or someone in your life and respond with kindness, warmth, and other forms of generosity.

Studies have shown that gratitude shields you from negativity, makes you at least 25% happier, rewires your brain, eliminates stress, heals your body, improves sleep, boosts self-esteem and performance, enhances the law of attraction, and improves relationships!

On this day of giving thanks, let us recommit to fostering a culture of gratitude individually and collectively. Meister Eckhart observed, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”  So, thank you. I invite you to speak these words aloud now. Thank you.

Our collective focus on thankfulness strengthens the bonds within our families and communities. It’s a beautiful gift to give to yourself and others.

Here are five ways to sow seeds of thankfulness in your life:

1. Express gratitude by writing and sending five thank you cards this week.
2. Keep a gratitude journal and list five things you are grateful for every morning before you get up and every night before you go to sleep.
3. Perform small acts of kindness such as holding the door open for someone, offering support, or being a helper.
4. Find lessons in difficult situations by contemplating how you have grown from them.
5. Share positive, uplifting stories and acknowledge the achievements of others.

The positive ripple effects of a thankful mindset are powerful and healing. We all need that right now.

So let’s have fun with this and be grateful. Happy Thanksgiving.

And so it is.