I Was Stuck In A Cycle – Gratitude, Frustration, Gratitude
Written by: Dipal Shah, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Although I knew I should be practicing thankfulness, I couldn’t make the firm decision to implement the practice into every day of my life. I knew that giving thanks was an effective form of self-care, but I couldn’t work up the energy on those days when everything went wrong.
One day, I made the decision to prioritize gratitude.
Learning to give thanks has deeply transformed all areas of my life.
It works in an instant.
Have you ever observed a little kid playing at a park or finding a butterfly?
Children are born with an innate sense of gratitude; an excitement about life that gradually fades away as we grow. You were born a grateful person: a child who enjoyed simple things.
In some ways, children see the bigger picture of life, and, as adults, we limit our view to the smaller, mundane struggles.
We banish thankfulness to the backseat.
Social media, laundry, carpool lines, and the constant hustle and bustle of society distracts us from the truth of our being: that we enjoy simple things, and that we must come back to them.
To find peace, we must choose to intentionally look for simplicity in the chaos.
Let’s explore ways you can add gratitude to your everyday.
1. Send a card, or leave a nice message and note for someone close to you
If you’ve ever gotten an unexpected note or card, you know the warm sensation that floods your body when you learn that someone was thinking about you.
We have an opportunity to nurture people through our words: share the gratefulness you feel to have them in your life.
2. Share time with family and friends
How refreshed are you after an hour of quality time with someone you care about?
Make it a regular act in your life: one that benefits the giver and receiver.
By spending time unengaged with technology, and actively listening, you’re connecting on a deeper level with those you love.
Make memories, play games, and find hobbies you enjoy together, and feel appreciation grow.
3. Spend time in nature, truly looking
Little kids love looking around a backyard.
Bugs. Trees. Leaves. Sticks. Rocks.
Studying nature is an amazing exploration for little ones; they search for the best “treasures” and present them proudly to you. Children engage with their surroundings far differently than we do as adults. Spending time in nature is soothes our souls. We were created to love nature.
By taking a bike ride or walk, we can spend time observing the beautiful things all around us, and disconnect from the frantic pace of our mind.
4. Search for opportunities to play
Look for chances to let loose, and find activities that foster your creativity and child-like nature. Whether that is dancing, painting, or sports, find the hobbies that set your “childhood nature” on fire.
5. Pause every hour to find something you are grateful for
Pause every sixty minutes, and find one thing that brings you joy. If you implement this habit, you’ll retrain your mind to find the goodness in your life. It’s my hope that you’ll experience the power of gratitude, not only in November, but year-round.
Dipal Shah, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
A recognized expert in the field of Energy Medicine, Dipal created the Quantum Body Awakening Technique: leading thousands of women in over 92 countries to escape painful, chronic health conditions where western medicine failed. Dipal's unique gifts created profound shifts for her clients; from finding boundless energy to experiencing life with increased purpose and inspiration. Through her company, Ananda 4 Life, Dipal has served celebrities, thought leaders, and health-care practitioners, leading them to find joy and decrease suffering through her blend of practices.
