Let’s Talk About Gratitude - Even Better, Let’s Practice It!

Let’s talk about gratitude. Not the mindless act of saying “Thanks” when someone passes the salt, but the mindful act of acknowledging and truly appreciating the people and situations that make up every moment of our lives.

As I write this, Thanksgiving is a week from today. For many of us here in the states it’s simply a day off and an opportunity to over eat and binge watch football. But it can be a reminder and opportunity to practice real gratitude.

Stoic Gratitude Practice

Marcus Aurelius begins Meditations with such a practice. He thoughtfully lists the wisdom, lessons, and virtues each person in his life taught him. Throughout Meditations, he reminds himself to not be attached to position or things and to embrace and be grateful for having his basic human needs met.

Your Turn

Take a small notebook or open a notebook app on your device and begin and/or end each day by writing down three simple gifts, blessings or mercies. They can be people, situations, emotions, lessons or items. To deepen the experience read your list aloud or, even better, to another.

You can also revisit the exercise, Finding the Good In Others, as an additional gratitude practice.

The goodness and gratitude this practice generates changes the way we feel about ourselves, and others. Try it now.

“Each day provides its own gifts.” — Marcus Aurelius

So, what are you grateful for today?

Keep flying higher!

Scott Perry, Chief Difference-Maker at Creative on Purpose

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