Sparking Joy

In a world where being outraged becomes a default emotion, it is more important than ever to intentionally turn our attention toward cultivating joy in our lives. Gratitude practices are an accessible, simple way to do just that.

When we open up our awareness to the tiny moments in our life that feel like gifts, it's like a lens gets activated that starts to experience more and more moments of beauty, awe, laughter and meaning. Gratitude as a tangible practice, not just an "attitude of gratitude" impacts the quality of our life in an immediate and lasting way.

The joyful heart sees and reads the world with a sense of freedom and graciousness. Despite all the difficult turns on the road, it never loses sight of the world as a gift." -- John O'Donohue, Beauty

What do I mean by gratitude as a "tangible practice"? Gratitude works best when we express it, combine it with some sort of action and allow ourselves to pause with it so it can be installed in our brains. Although contemplating, meditating on and thinking about thankfulness is helpful, the impact grows with a repetitive, intentional ritual that strengthens our gratitude muscle making it easier and easier for joy to flow through our bodies.

After researching joy for twelve years, Brené Brown found that anyone who described their life as "joyful" engaged in a gratitude practice. Like lifting weights for your ability to feel delight, giving thanks turns our attention to the bright spots in our life. We all need help with this. Our brains are built to notice to the more negative aspects of life, in an attempt to keep us alive. Luckily for us, our brains can still grow even as adults, and developing new habits is absolutely possible.

Try out some gratitude practices or let me know what works best for you to grow the joy in your life!

Create a Gratitude journal - express five things each day that feel like a gift

Gratitude Buddy - text daily with a friend things that you're thankful for in your life

Letters - write a letter once a week to someone in your life who you appreciate.... and give it to them!

Go on a thank you walk - notice all of the beauty and resources around you that the earth offers us

When you think of being thankful, share those thoughts with someone

Dinner Gratitude - share your experience of gratitude in a day with your family or dinner mates

Meditation - add a section of gratitude meditation to your daily mindfulness meditation

What is your favorite way to practice gratitude?