Give Thanks

Give Thanks

The intention of this lesson is…

The intention of this lesson is…

to support you in the practice of expressing gratitude – by helping you to both remember and name what you are grateful for.

How to prepare

How to prepare

Before you begin…

Gather your materials:

– notebook & writing materials (if desired)

– voice recorder (if desired)

– water

Consider a place in your environment that you really enjoy or a space that makes you feel energized. Indoors or outdoors. 

Manage your distractions, as you are able to:

– Consider what tends to distract you and minimize those distractions during this time. Consider turning off reminders and notifications on your devices; inform people of the time you need for this practice, close your door. etc.

Activity

Activity

When you feel ready to begin…

Get present: 

– Take a few deep breaths in and out. 

– Find a comfortable place to sit down or maintain a posture that is comfortable to you.

– Remind yourself that whatever unfolds during this time is honorable.

For this activity, you will finish each statement based on the prompt. You can write, audio or video record, draw or sketch your responses. Feel free to add another mode of movement if that would feel good for you. 

Before you begin, take a moment to notice your body state; what sensations are present, where are you holding tension?

 As you hold in your awareness each of the things you are grateful for, notice what happens in your body? As you bring to mind the thing that you are grateful for, slow down to notice the sensations of your body (i.e.,  movement, tension, temperature). Notice what gratitude feels like in your body. Consider recording these observations as well. 

Gratitude Prompts:

  1. I am thankful for (this person)… 
  2. I am thankful for (this place)….  
  3. I am thankful for (this opportunity)…  
  4. I am thankful for (this lesson)…  
  5. I am thankful for (this experience)… 
  6. I am thankful for (something about myself)

Regrounding Moment

Regrounding Moment

When you are done with these six prompts, mindfully return your awareness to your body and notice your body state now. What’s different from when you first started, what’s stayed the same?

An Invitation to Integrate

If you enjoyed this practice, return to it as often as you need. Consider incorporating daily gratitude practice into your life. Your practice can consist of naming several things you are grateful for, or one thing. Consider pairing your gratitude practice with something you do daily (brushing your teeth, showering, making coffee) to ensure you make time for the practice. 

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