Make Giving Thanks a joyful, regular ritual. A ritual or habit could be Saying Grace before receiving a meal, recounting a couple of blessings at the end or the beginning of your day, or a creative activity such as crafting and writing gratitude postcards. They can make a tremendous difference in the way we think about ourselves and the world, which in turn affects our bodies’ health.
The effects of turning our attention to the fullness of our experience and saying “Thank You” for that can be enormous. More enthusiasm, energy, alertness, social connection and general well being are invited into our lives when we (literally and figuratively) clear out the channels gooked up with negativity and make room for some joyful experiences! Those are a lot of pretty words to say: Just do it. And there’s really no excuse: No time? Nonsense, it doesn’t take long. No supplies? Rubbish, you need card (index cards from your grocery store work fine, so does a 4×6″ cutout from your favorite cereal box). Check out the photo below… cards/paper, scissors, tape/glue, anything that writes or paints and maybe a clipping from whoknowswhat.
This may actually save the day in case your time with family is typically, well, less than harmonious! Why not gather around the kitchen table and bring all of your attention to something other than what you usuall talk about?
Make it focused, short and joyful! But do it! And do it regularly. That’s all!
Giving Thanks, In Joy,
Damaris
