The sunrise was glowing as we drove across the bridge onto Hilton Head Island. As we crossed over, we could see both sides of the island. On one side, it was a fiery red and orange as the sunset rested behind the landscape.
On the other, it was beautiful shades of pastel that I had come accustomed to associating with sunsets on the island since we have stayed on that side every year for the last eight. The view was breathtaking on both sides.
Breathing in, I felt exhilarated.
Breathing out, I had a sense of peace at another day gone by, the daily cycle completed, and the anticipation of a week of sunsets upcoming.
I felt a sense of deep gratitude to be in this moment and to be aware of it in such a profound way.
What does it mean to be grateful?
Living your life in gratitude means choosing to focus on the things you appreciate. It doesn’t mean you must convince yourself that all is perfect in the world.
As we turn more into gratitude, the world begins to open and reveal that there is always some small thing to be grateful for.
Instead of blocking out difficulties, think of embracing and approaching them from a different perspective. Practicing appreciation softens us by connecting us with wonderfully ordinary things, both great and small, that we otherwise might miss altogether.
Appreciation soothes our busy minds.
Think of something in your life that you can feel thankful for and try it for yourself. Perhaps that favorite pair of shoes. A quality you admire within yourself (if you dig deep to find a few, this would be a great place to start your practice). The person who let you go first at the grocery store line, the beauty of spring blooms in nature, a relationship in your life, someone who has been there for you in tough times.
Practicing Gratitude For The External
When you practice gratitude, notice what happens in your body. How does it respond? As a yoga teacher, I often repeat that whatever occurs in the mind appears in the body, and gratitude is no different. Do you feel alive, more at peace?
Our body is responding to every thought we have, whether we are aware of them or not. Is there a feeling of lightness in your body? What about warmth or a tingling sensation? Could practicing gratitude change your outlook? Is there a connection between gratitude and happiness?
There are so many things to be grateful for! Gratitude helps us to see that there is much good going on around us and in our life. Practicing gratitude can help us keep our hearts open to others and ourselves and the tenderness in the daily experience.
Feeling gratitude for the beauty of nature, the wonders of God, the love of family and friends, surrounding abundance, opportunities to better ourselves, and to help others in need can bring a feeling of joy. Although surrounded by much, we often mindlessly exist on automatic pilot, losing sight of the wonders that nourish our souls and bring us closer together.
Have you ever allowed someone to go into the traffic line in front of you, offered to help someone cross the street, or carry their groceries? If no one bothers to thank you, how do you feel? And who do you fail to thank? A powerful way to strengthen emotional bonds with others is to offer appreciation.
And the best part? It is free!
Practicing Gratitude For The Internal
While cultivating a greater appreciation for all that is around us, we can also look inside, practicing gratitude for what we find there. We can be grateful for our talents and gifts – unique to us. For what can you thank yourself? Are you a good listener, a great employee, do you delight in helping others, or maybe you do an excellent job of taking care of yourself. Somedays, we can only thank ourselves for getting through, but there is always something for which we can be grateful.
Being grateful that we have the ability, heart, mind, and wisdom to know how to live in gratitude.
As we turn more into gratitude, the world begins to open and reveal that there is always some small thing to be grateful for.
Tips For Practicing Gratitude
Here are a few tips on how to apply gratitude that you can try at any time!
- Say “thank you” more often. Everyone wants to feel appreciated for their efforts, big and small. One that makes the giver and the receiver feel good! Saying thanks can be a gift in another’s life.
- We have moments of feeling down. The next time this happens, take a moment to write down a few things that spark gratitude for you. Be detailed in your description of gratitude. For example, I am grateful that my husband picks up the kids two days a week from school, allowing me to get away and attend a pottery class and express my creativity.
- Write down how your body feels when you are expressing gratitude. Which emotions bubble up? What thoughts come to mind?
Keep these writings in a journal so that you can refer back over time to see how you have grown in your practice!
About the Author
Hope Knosher is the founder of Healthy Living With Hope and Hope’s Yoga. Based in Atlanta, Georgia she is a Certified E-RYT500 Yoga Teacher, National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach & Certified Yoga Therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
Hope and her work have been featured in numerous publications including Reader’s Choice “Best Of Atlanta” by Atlanta Magazine, one of Atlanta’s “Over 40 & Fabulous” by Best Self Atlanta, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for her work with cancer survivors, MindBodyGreen, Noteworthy, Mantra Yoga & Health and cover features with Northside Woman and Yoga Magazine.
Check out Hope’s weekly yoga classes. She also offers corporate yoga & meditation, wellness coaching and workshops. Hope is also a regular guest speaker on topics related to Yoga, Mindfulness, and Health & Wellness. Learn more about Hope.
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