Practicing Gratitude in the Little Things

Practicing gratitude creates joy in our everyday life.

“Practicing gratitude is how we acknowledge that there’s enough and that we’re enough”, says Brene Brown- social researcher and author. Her research confirms that, “It isn’t joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful”. Renowned psychologist Robert Emmons defines gratitude as “A felt sense of wonder, thankfulness and appreciation for life”.

Here are a few ways that gratitude is utilized when Decluttering with Mindfulness and creating a joyful life. A common dilemma people may come across when decluttering is: what to do with an item that doesn’t spark joy but is in regular use? A key here is that we are actually using the item often, not that we might use it one day! One thing we can do is keep it and act as if it is our favourite item. We can notice and take the time to appreciate how the item is serving us, how helpful it is. This can transform our relationship with the item as we see it through new eyes. We may eventually discover that it really does begin to spark joy for us. We can also apply this to anything we might find mundane; paying a bill, even a job or a relationship!

Whenever we interact with our belongings, we have an opportunity to practice gratitude and expand joy in our hearts. Some examples of this I’ve found helpful in my daily life.

When making a cup of tea, make use of items kept for special occasions. Create a little ritual of self-care; reflecting on how your special items are enhancing this moment, perhaps their beauty or connection to loved ones.

When folding clothes use your hands to smooth and imbue the item with love and appreciation for how beautiful it is, how warm it keeps you or how comfortable it feels. Notice if it needs any loving care in return; a new button or repair.

When entering or leaving your home, pause and give thanks to your home for the sanctuary it provides and all its other wonderful features. Even if you don’t particularly like your home, you can still be grateful for the shelter and protection it provides or find a small detail that delights you.

Before eating, pause and give thanks. Bring to mind all of the life that has contributed to this meal. The elements of nature; the sun, water, the living soil, insects, plants and animals. The hands and hearts of the people who’ve grown your food and given labour to bring it to you. Give thanks to yourself for the love and care that has gone into preparing this beautiful meal. See all of the cells in your body receiving all of the nourishment they need and then all of that life energy moving out and benefitting others as you go about your daily life.

In what ways do you practice gratitude in your daily rituals?

Try one of our guided gratitude meditations.
Visit our Gratitude Compilation page to learn more about gratitude.