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Gratitude: a path to true appreciation

An attitude that leads to joy of living
and fosters our sense for connection.

Gratitude is a crucial aspect of well-being and is closely linked to life satisfaction. It describes the conscious appreciation of what we have, in the form of experiences, relationships or small everyday moments. Gratitude helps us to focus on the positive, strengthens social connections and promotes joie of living. It is not just a feeling, but an attitude that can lead us to greater mindfulness and contentment in life.

Gratitude fosters our sense for connection

Since some time now, I have returned to my practice of  gratitude, which I'm cultivating with a friend from my mindfulness meditation training. Almost every day we send each a text message about what we are grateful for. This simple but powerful exercise makes me conscously realising for what I'm grateful in life. Sharing gratitude with my friend in this way is a beautiful way of taking part in each other's lives and creates a sense of deep connection. 

Gratitude creates appreciation

Through this practice I'm experiencing how gratitude unfolds its impact not only on myself but also on others. It creates a power of deep connection to all beings and to nature - to what really what nourishes and sustains me. I've learnt this especially during my illness. Things that I had previously taken for granted suddenly became incredible valuable. This experience truly changed my perspective and gratitude became an inner attitude. In Buddhism, gratitude is one of the heart practices that helps to develope and strengthen the emotional qualities of our heart. When we open our hearts to gratitude, there is a deep recognition and appreciation for everything that sustains us and we honour the small and large wonders of this universe. 

Gratitude leads to life satisfaction

Gratitude has a positive effect on our mental and emotional well-being. It strengthens our sens for joy of living and leads to feelings of satisfaction, joy and trust. It allows us to focus on the good things in life - even in difficult times. Mindfulness helps us to bring our awareness to the present moment - to what is really important and valuable in life. Gratitude thus becomes an attitude that guides our thoughts and actions. It not only enriches our own lives, but also those of the people around us.

Ideas for your gratitude practice 

  • Gratitude letter: write a letter to a person who has had a positive influence on you. The letter can then be read out or delivered personally.

  • Gratitude diary: every evening/once a day, write down three things that you are grateful for that day.

  • Thank you ritual: take a moment every day to consciously say ‘thank you’ to a person - whether for a kind gesture, a conversation or for their presence.

  • Grateful meals: before eating, pause for a moment to feel appreciation for the food, the people who prepared it and the resources that made it possible.

  • Reflection before going to bed: remember a moment of the day that brought you joy and consciously let that feeling resonate.

 

Reflection questions:

  • When and for what were you last grateful?

  • How do you recognise that you feel gratitude?

  • How does gratitude feel in your body?

  • If it is difficult for you to feel gratitude, what stands between you and gratitude?

Outlook to the new year: discovering and living values

Values build the foundation of our being and guide our lives. When we recognise and integrate our values, this leads to more clarity, orientation, authenticity and satisfaction. Read more about this topic in January's blog article or sign up for the workshop 

«Where do you want to go?» on 26 January 2025. Be inspired by discovering your inner compass and setting new impulses. 

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