Gratitude Meditation

This is a simple practice that you can do literally any time of day. If you try it, I'd love to hear what you think!

Take a moment and set your body up for your practice. If you're at a desk or table, sit up and feel length in your spine, and feel your feet connected to the ground. If you're moving around or on the go, take just a few moments to pause what you're doing and stand still or sit down.

Take a breath in through the nose, fill up your lungs and belly, and breathe out through the mouth making the sound 'haaaaa.' Relax your shoulders as you breathe out. Do that two more times.

As you inhale and exhale, silently repeat to yourself:

I am thankful for my life.

I am thankful for those who bring joy to my life.

I am grateful for my life.

I am grateful for those who bring ease to my life.

Repeat a few times, or add other words that come to mind as well...

Then just for a few moments, imagine a place that brings you a sense of peace and calmness. It may be your favorite place in nature, it may be a room in your home...there are so many options! See yourself in that place. Is anyone with you? Be there for just a few moments, noticing the sensations of peace and calmness reverberate through your mind and body.

Come back to your breath. If you have closed your eyes, open your eyes and come back into your space.

May this short gratitude meditation bring a little more peace, calmness and joy into your life!

November 26, 2023

Photo: sunset view of the San Francisco Bay from Marina Bay, Richmond, California

My thanks to Dr. Marlyssa Sullivan for inspiration for this meditation.