Gratitude is like gravy—put it on everything!
2022 is almost done! In practice this month Innate Chiro are finishing the year on a GRATITUDE note by creating the space to acknowledge the good things.
Gratitude is a combination of two elements – affirmation and recognition:
It begins with affirming the good. So, you notice and affirm that there is good in you, in others, and in the world around you. It’s saying “yes” to life. This doesn’t mean denying that challenge, struggle, or bad things exist, but it’s about focusing on the good.
It expands by recognizing that the source of this good is outside of you. Often the good comes from other people, but it could be any source outside of yourself, such as a spiritual being or power, the universe, or even from your pets. It’s acknowledging that you have been given gifts, big and small, to help you achieve the goodness in your life.
Practices of gratitude don't have to be complicated. But they are definitely worth consideration.
Research shows that the benefits of gratitude is much more than improve our happiness, wellbeing, and mood.
It has the power to heal, energize, and change our lives at a psychological, emotional, relational, and physical level as it activates our brains across different networks, including those relating to pleasure, rewards, and helps us to make sense of our social environments and connections.
Gratitude Experiment 1: Thankful Christmas Tree
Use a printable leaf or bauble template. Each day write down something for which they feel gratitude, decorate and hang the on your Christmas Tree.
Gratitude Experiment 2: Writing Thank You Cards
Maybe you do it every year, or maybe it’s your year to start sending Christmas Cards.
People dearly appreciate having a tangible “Merry Christmas!”. A Christmas card is intimate and implies a deep love that cannot be expressed online or in a text message.
And we all know the joy of opening an envelope and discovering an unexpected message from someone you miss.
On the flip side of Christmas, another way to foster gratitude is to send a Thank You Card to acknowledge and appreciate those who sent you gifts.
Gratitude Experiment 3: Remember Gratitude at Bedtime
The easiest of the gratitude practices, this one works best for families with young children who still get “tucked in.”
Incorporate gratitude into your nightly bedtime routine by simply sharing three good things that happened that day.
Taking a moment to recap and give thanks allows for a more peaceful rest and a fresh start in the morning.
