The practice this week is a simple one, so simple in fact that, more often than not, gratitude tends to get forgotten in favour of far more pressing concerns that plague us; anxiety, anger, judgement, negative self-talk and other traits that are focused exclusively on what is wrong with our experience, rather than what is right with it.
Recent research conducted by Lyubomirsky (Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside), shows that 40% of happiness is determined by our intentional activities. People who keep a daily “gratitude journal” or who regularly express gratitude to people who have been kind to them show a significant increase in happiness and decrease in depression.
Instructions
At the end of the day write a list of at least five things that happened during the day that you are grateful for. At the end of the week read it out loud to a friend, partner, or mindfulness companion.
Reminders
Keep a notepad and pencil or pen beside your bed or on your pillow. When you go to bed at night, write your list before you lie down and fall asleep.
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Image courtesy of aussiegall