Dear Friends,
A few years ago, Brené Brown shared a quote on her blog from Brother David Steindl-Rast:
The root of joy is gratefulness. We tend to misunderstand the link between joy and gratefulness. We notice that joyful people are grateful and suppose that they are grateful for their joy. But the reverse is true: their joy springs from gratefulness. …
We hold the key to lasting happiness in our own hands. For it is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.
In Uncovering Happiness, Elisha Goldstein describes a study where participants were split into three groups – one group counted five blessings a day, one group five burdens, and one group neutral things. The study found that the group who counted blessings experienced less stress and enhanced well-being.
In last Sunday’s email, I mentioned Adrianne Ross’s talk on joy. In that talk, she mentioned an idea that sparked a smile that’s been in my heart all week, so I just had to share as a practice for today! It’s called the gratitude alphabet. It goes something like like this:
A – I’m grateful for apples
B – I’m grateful for books
C – I’m grateful for cheese
D – I’m grateful for dogs
… and so on through the alphabet
Perhaps that could be something to try today.
In terms of your daily practices, what does it feel like to incline your mind towards gratitude as you engage in each task?
I’d love to hear your reflections!
With best wishes,
Andrea
There is a movie called the hateful 8
I changed the name to the grateful 18
Each morning since Jan 1. I wake a tad early and journal 18 things I am grateful for
I write them as they come to mind attempting to not have to “think” to much
Anything from a cold tasteful orange to someone who unexpectedly remembered my name …
for no apparent reason . I will now include the alphabet practice . All great ways to start another awesome
Awesome day
Thanks for sharing your practice Don! What a wonderful way to start the day!