Giving Thanks in the Morning!

One of the most powerful exercises I do in my day is to give thanks in the morning.

At times giving thanks naturally arises for me. At others it doesn’t. It’s been those times that I’ve been far from feeling thankful that I’ve really come to understand its significant importance on another level.

Now it’s a key part of my “daily do”. I have a regular morning routine that I play with to help me get off to a great start. Giving thanks has the greatest consistent effect over any other part of my morning “get ready” rituals.

It’s simple. I just take a few moments out and check in to what I’m naturally feeling thankful about – and then magnify it. Sometimes I have to search deeply and may come up with things like “I am thankful for being in this nourishing space with my loving family." At others simple things will pop up quickly, like “I am thankful for having the space to take a bath this morning."

I’ll tune into the first five things to arise and feel my heart expand with thankfulness for each one. I usually do this in a quiet space such as driving in the car or in my home before leaving for the day. The bath is the best. Sometimes I like to write them down on a list in my daily planner.

It greatly impacts my attitude for the whole day. On the days I’ve forgotten to take time out and feel thankfulness, I often notice at the end of the day that I’ve felt distant or disconnected. My day can feel more like a struggle I have to push through than a delightful experience that unfolds. When I take time out for giving thanks, I take a more artful approach naturally.

By exuding gratitude, my whole being is naturally shifted into a different state. I feel more grateful and am more aware and present. My perspective is much more open and receptive. My attitude becomes more playful and fun.

So just a little reminder for us all to give thanks! …Even our logic can justify it.J