Practicing Gratitude
“Gratitude.” Even the word has a special quality to it. Like breathing out, the word creates a kind of release – a release from our own cares and concerns, a release that creates a space to appreciate what is right and not be anxious about what is wrong. In gratitude we can stop and give thanks for all the things – little and big – that are working well in our lives and that make it possible to be generous and kind toward others.
Another special quality of gratitude is that is not greedy. Gratitude is the door to generosity. Once we have given thought to the ways in which our own life is enriched, we can give thought to the cares, concerns and needs of others, whether they be near or far. From a Buddhist perspective, gratitude and generosity go hand-in-hand.
Knowing that life is a journey that ends in final awakening, we recognize that everyone has challenges in life and that there are special moments in which we can ease the burden of others. In this spirit, we do not give in order to get; rather, we give expecting nothing in return but a glimpse of our own basic humanity and basic goodness. These lie at the heart of gratitude.
Tips for Practicing Gratitude
The purpose of this page is to help spread the awareness on just how powerful and life changing gratiude can be. Click one of the following links to learn more about gratitude.
Meditations for Cultivating and Practicing Gratitude
Our gratitude meditations focus on finding and cultivating gratitude in our day-to-day lives. As you practice these meditations you will begin to experience more joy and happiness in your life. Here are a few of our most popular gratitude meditations. Be sure to visit our Gratitude Meditations page for more meditations on gratitude.
Morning Gratitude Meditation w/ Ho'oponopono - begin the day by expressing gratitude via the powerful Ho’oponopono technique.
Cultivating Gratitude Meditation - This meditation provides a way for you to cultivate a grateful heart.
Body Scan Meditation - appreciate, nurture, restore and regenerate every cell of your being.
End of Day Gratitude & Sleep Meditation - This is a deeply relaxing meditation that helps you to review your day with the lens of gratitude then we let go into healing sleep.
Gratitude Sleep Meditation w/ Ho'oponopono - an opportunity to complete the day with forgiveness, love and gratitude using the Ho’oponopono healing technique.
Blog Articles on Practicing Gratitude
Below are some blog articles about gratitude. You’ll find personal antidotes as well as simple and practical suggestions for incorporating more gratitude into your life.
Recorded Classes on Practicing Gratitude
Several of our facilitators discussed the topic of gratitude in their weekly live class and below are the recordings from these classes. Each class ends with a brief guided meditation.
The Power of Gratitude through Ho’oponopono
Unleashing the power of gratitude to create change in our lives and the lives of all those around us.
In this meditation we create an opportunity for healing by opening our hearts and minds to gratitude. Utilising the powerful Ho’oponopono mantra - a sacred Hawaiian prayer that helps to cultivate forgiveness, self-love and gratitude, freeing us from our habitual negativity by refocussing our mind to appreciate the beauty of life.
Instructor: Theresa Tzinberg
Bite Sized Buddhism Looks at Gratitude
Many people find it difficult to have gratitude. We are always on a quest for something, restlessly we move toward one thing and another in our search for happiness. We need a better job, a loving partner, a new car, a more desirable place to live, a better diet, more exercise and so forth. However, to be grateful, to experience gratitude we have to stop or at least pause for a bit in order to notice and appreciate the abundance in our lives right now.
Class runs for 25 minutes and meditation for about 15 minutes
Instructor: Greg Tzinberg
Benefits of Practicing Gratitude
A number of different studies have been released in recent years, showing the connection of gratitude to happiness. These studies are proving that people who cultivate gratitude in their day-to-day lives are happier, sleep better and overall have improved mental health. For more info about these studies, check out the articles below.
Practicing Gratitude Apps for your Phone
If keeping a written journal is a bit overwhelming then consider a gratitude journal app for your phone. Here are a few highly rated journal apps that focus on gratitude and prompt you to make a daily entry. You can even add a photo for each day!
Recommended Books on Practicing Gratitude
If you are interested in learning more about gratitude, try one of these highly rated books.
A gratitude jar is a simple way to practice gratitude and makes for a meaningful new year’s resolution.