I remember a time in my life when I would complain a lot. Whenever somebody asked me about going on vacation somewhere, a new restaurant I tried, or even how my run was, I would reply with a criticism or complaint. Once I became conscious of my behavior, I noticed how the energy surrounding my complaining and negativity really pervaded my life and how I related to others. I didn't like who I had become and decided to do something about it. I started a gratitude journal, writing three things I was grateful for at the end of the day. While it doesn't sound like much, it was very hard for me to come up with three things to be happy about, which also frustrated me. Despite the initial writer's block, I kept at it. Eventually, it went from a bullet point list that looked like:
I am grateful for the good weather
I am grateful for dinner, it was good
I am grateful for the sunrise
To paragraphs of all the things, big and small, that I appreciated and wanted to share my gratitude for. Because I did not quit on the new practice, it got easier and easier. It even got easier for me to express my gratitude for what I had, the people around me, and for others. I made it a point to thank my bus driver when it was time for me to get off, which I feel it's important for people to know that what they do they are appreciated for. One practice I stole from a former coworker of mine was to keep thank you cards in my desk and hand write a note every time a colleague did something for me which improved our bonds. The gratitude practice changed my perception and attitude towards what I experienced. My relationship evolved with gratitude. I no longer had to search for what I was grateful for as I journaled, it came naturally, and that energy radiated and is gravitational.
For me, gratitude can be a behavior you learn to practice. On that journey of instilling gratitude into my daily life, it became a way of life. It has taught me so many valuable lessons. One big lesson that's deeply rooted in me is to not take things for granted like health or relationships. Like all things in life, these are impermanent, and we'll never know when they are taken away. For many, it is only when we have a major health scare or when a loved one moves or passes on that we become aware of how precious health and our loved ones are. When I'm with my loved ones, I've chosen to be present with them. I'm not perfect, but even that has really helped to deepen my connection with them.
Speaking of the present moment, what would happen if we became more mindful of our environment, when we are with Mother Nature? Try it, and you may start to notice many of the miracles that mother nature offers. From witnessing the beauty of dew drops on a perfectly spun spiderweb, listening to the melody of birdsong as you walk through a quiet and peaceful forest, or feeling the sand under your feet as the coolness of the ocean wades over your ankles; these things we may not notice on our day-to-day grind become part of a sanctuary for your wellbeing. Often times we feel we don't have time for these simple pleasures. Yet, when we make an intentional choice to spend time with Mother Nature, you'll realize how much joy we have when we're with her, revel in the quietude and calm she offers, and perhaps if you're hurting on the inside, a pathway towards healing.
I am deeply grateful for all that Mother Nature provides me, and for all of us. If the attitude of gratitude and/or your relationship with Mother Nature is something you want to change, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take that first step. You too can start a habit of gratitude journaling. Set aside intentional time at the end of the day, each day, to share three things you were grateful for. It may feel hokey or contrived at first, this may be your ego just resisting this new practice. Keep at it! You could also spend intentional time walking at a trail or park. Research has shown how spending time with nature, even in an urban park, could help improve mood and decrease stress. The sooner you make efforts to change your relationship with either, the sooner you'll receive and feel just how these things can positively alter your life.
The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
~ Sharing light and Aloha
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