During this time of Thanksgiving, we are reminded to be thankful. As I reflected this morning on all of the things that I am thankful for (see my list at the bottom of this page), an air of fulfillment washed over me. Suddenly, all of the items on my “to do” list drifted away, as I was reminded that my joy and contentment are not contingent upon those things getting done (or not), but dependent upon me experiencing the true essence of my life each and every single day.
The true essence of being alive is reflected to me when I genuinely express gratitude. The acceptance and ease that comes over me in these moments of non-distraction and presence is my lifeblood. Unlike celebration of accomplishments or lamentation of losses and failures, this essence is not contingent upon changes in the external world. This essence is always there; one simply needs to express genuine gratitude to access it.
There have been numerous scientific studies on Gratitude and how it contributes to happiness and health. In The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor shares with us just how this simple act of being grateful has measurable effects on an individual’s overall well-being:
“…studies have shown that consistently grateful people are more energetic, emotionally intelligent, forgiving and less likely to be depressed, anxious, or lonely. And it’s not that people are only grateful because they’re happier, either; gratitude has proven to be a significant cause of positive outcomes. When researches pick random volunteers and train them to be more grateful over a period of a few weeks, they become happier and more optimistic, feel more socially connected, enjoy better quality sleep, and even experience fewer headaches than control groups.”
–Shawn Achor, The Happiness Advantage, 2010
(To see Shawn’s inspirational TED talk, click here)
According to the research, writing down specific things that we are thankful for is effective in changing the brain to notice the positive more than the negative. I would like to share with you this practice of 3 Gratitudes…This practice was not developed by me, but guides me always…
(Below is an excerpt from my book – Wake Up! You’re Alive, But Are You Living)
3 Gratitudes
Nurture the mindset of abundance and connect with a force larger than yourself.
Gratitude helps us remain humble. When we express our gratitude to something bigger than ourselves (I often use the Universe, some may use God), we nurture the belief that we, as well as our achievements and contributions, are vehicles of a greater connective force that drives all of existence. Expressing gratitude for the pieces of our existence that bring us joy and ascribing these phenomena to a source both within and greater than ourselves reminds us each day that our life is an incredible gift, one to be maximized and not taken lightly.
The Practice: Take time at the end of each day to write down three things that you appreciate, are thankful for, or that went well that day. Ask yourself, what’s going well in my life? Be specific. After you write down your gratitudes, close your eyes and express thanks to the greater connective force that ultimately makes this all possible.
Tip: This practice is especially powerful during difficult times. Noticing glimpses of positivity can pull us out of the scarcity mindset and into a mindset of abundance (as defined in Chapter One).
For more transformative daily practices like this one, order my Self-Care Guide (click here).
My 2015 Gratitude List:
With the end of 2015 in sight, I wanted to share a glimpse of my Gratitude List for this past year:
- My beautiful, smiling, loving nephew, Wyatt—you have been the brightest light in my life this past year, never flickering.
- The development of a business and career path that allows me to share and live my life purpose every single day—Brooks, thanks for the idea; I wouldn’t be where I am without your brilliance!
- My clients for believing in me, sharing with me, teaching me, and inspiring me to be a better person and a better coach.
- My yoga students for allowing me to guide them and opening up to the transformative effects of this practice and lifestyle.
- My yoga practice. I would never be where I am without this over-arching paradigm in my life.
- The opportunity and time to write a book that reflects my journey toward believing in myself and creating the life I want.
- My family (Mom, Dad, Joe, Lee, Caitlin, Ardie) for providing me with immense love, support, and encouragement.
- Nanny for entrusting me as her Wellness Coach, sharing her past and present with me, and believing in me. Your strength has inspired me immensely this past year and always.
- My loving roommate and best friend Fiona for providing me with a listening ear, laughter, and companionship when I need it most.
- My incredible friend Sierra for always providing me with inspiration, invaluable advice, and loving companionship.
- John for your love, motivating support, and companionship through a time when I could have easily gotten off track and discouraged.
- My Shaklee mentors, coaches, and peers—Chelsea, Nedra, Daniela, Lu Ann, Mandy, Taylor—for guiding and encouraging my growth personally and as a businesswomen/owner.
- The opportunity to contribute to and be a part of Maine Yoga Fest and Steamboat Movement Fest—two incredibly inspiring events during which I got to connect with beautiful people and learned SO much.
- The companies that have welcomed me to share my philosophy on health with their employees.
- All of the little ones (and their parents) for participating in my Mindful Kids Program on Monday mornings…you always make me smile, inspire presence, and allow my inner child to come out. And thank you Whole Foods Portland (Amy Crosby) for supporting this program, it would not have evolved without you!
- Realization of my goal to become a public speaker and leader.
- My tribe of friends, family members, and readers for entrusting me to provide you with advice in becoming a better/healthier person—if you’re reading this, I mean you!
- All of the people who have contributed to the (pending) publication of my book: John, Sierra, Skye, Mom, Joe, Lee, Albi from Fiverr, Emily Shweitzer, and Leah Arsenault
- The farmers and restaurants in Portland that have provided me with incredibly nourishing and delicious food.
- The Institute for Integrative Nutrition for teaching me how to achieve and guide others toward optimal health…
- Julia for being so open to collaborate and contribute to the growth of my vision.
- My friendships and relationships – new and old, near and far – who I have not yet mentioned: Lesdog, Simone, Kyla, Brooks, Honeybee, Chris, Jesse, Skye, Charlie, Ronald…You all enrich my life with purpose and enjoyment.
- The Affirmation: “Thank you so much, I am happy, I am healthy, I have no complaints whatsoever” by Dr. Bernie Seigel…This reminds me to be grateful every single day.
- The earth, for grounding me, supporting me, feeding me, humbling me, and igniting my soul.
What’s on your Gratitude List?
About the Author
Allie Andrews is the Founder and Program Director at OmBody Health. She is a Certified Health Coach and self-care advocate and author. Allie and her team have been transforming employee wellbeing since 2014. Learn more.