How to Start a Quick and Easy Gratitude Practice This Month

Did March come in like a lion or like a lamb? Will it go out the opposite? You get to choose.

Is your life like a lion, always roaring and busy? Or like a lamb, calm, but almost too calm (as in maybe sad)? Life is all about balance. We hear this all the time but what does it really mean? It means there is a balance between happy and sad. We need one to appreciate the other.

In positive psychology there is the SPIRE model of happiness. S-spiritual, P-physical, I-intellectual, R-relational, E-emotional. Each area needs to be looked at and an inventory taken to see where we are.

This month I will focus on the S-spiritual component, leading a meaningful life and mindfully savoring the present. One of the most powerful ways to do this is practicing gratitude and breath work.

Sit comfortably and closing your eyes, think of someone or something you are grateful for. If you cannot think of anything, just be grateful for the breath you just took. Allow your heart to be open and full of gratitude as you pay attention to your breath. As you breathe in, say to yourself, “breathe in”. As you breathe out, say “breathe out”. Or simply, “in” and “out”.

Start small, even just a minute if that’s all you can do. Whatever your schedule allows is a great start so don’t be discouraged, just do what you can. Any little bit of time spent is beneficial.

Will March go out like a lion or a lamb? Hopefully, gratefully, a balance of both.

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