Practising gratitude

Gratitude can sound like one of those things we should be doing. Another good habit to add to the list.

But really, it can be much simpler than that.

It can be as simple as getting up, looking out the window, and noticing your life, your day, or a memory that makes you smile. Often, it’s about the things we may take for granted: our health, family, a warm shower, fresh juice.

It is simply taking a moment to notice what is already here. What feels good. What helped. What you might otherwise move straight past.

Just ask yourself: what am I grateful for right now?

It doesn’t have to be anything profound.

Maybe you slept well. Maybe the sun is coming through your living-room window. Maybe the trees are changing colour. Maybe you’re simply grateful that you get another day on this beautiful Earth.

You might be grateful for the practice you’re about to do, for a breakfast you enjoyed, or for time spent with a friend, your partner or your children.

Some days, the things that come up will be big. On other days, they will be very small.

Both count. Because anything you are truly grateful for is, in fact, big.

Perhaps that is the point of gratitude: not convincing yourself that everything is wonderful, or searching for the big things in life, but getting a little better at noticing the parts that already are.