Present Moment Gratitude
Practicing Gratitude
Dear reader,
I’m pretty sure that most everyone would agree that this time of the pandemic, since Friday, March 13 (which for me was Black Friday), has been very challenging, right? Personally, I felt a break from it at the end of May into June, when things were opening up where I live in Colorado. Life seemed to be moving toward some semblance of normalcy. I felt like I could take a big out-breath of relief.
But then…the numbers started rising and if has felt, even though things are still more open, like with rising numbers, the level of fear is also rising again. People are becoming more aggressive, especially around wearing masks, and there is unfortunately what seems to be a big split along political lines. I’ve noticed both in my clients and myself a higher level of suspiciousness and anxiety. We’re looking sideways at each other.
My mood has been rising and falling, depending on the day
I’ve had a regular meditation practice for many years, which has been my through-line. I decided to try an experiment with a little different focus, which was to INTENTIONALLY focus on three things for which I am grateful every day for a minimum of two weeks to see if it would help.
Embracing the present
One aspect of this pandemic has been to bring me into the present moment, every day. I have observed that this has been one of the most challenging aspects of the last few months, into the next few months, for many of us. All we have is the present moment! We can’t plan for the future. The future is more unknown to us than ever before. We can’t plan vacations, and if we do, we have to think about aspects like safety in airports, hotels, and restaurants. Parents are struggling with not knowing what’s going to happen with schools. Universities are struggling. And, now we are moving into fall and winter, with the cooler temperatures and darkness that these seasons bring.
Practicing gratitude
Every day I find myself focusing on smaller, more simple aspects of my life that I am grateful for. When I intentionally bring these images to mind, I aspire to feel this gratitude in my body and in my heart, not just as thoughts.
Here are some of the things I am grateful for: I’m grateful for the beauty of where I live. I’m grateful for the evening sky, a thunderstorm, or a rainbow. I’m grateful for my flowering plants that bring me so much joy. I’m grateful for my wonderful second home in Summit County, Colorado. I’m extremely grateful I have work that sustains me and my beautiful office. I’m grateful to have a few good friends and fun buddies. I’m grateful for my body that allows me to ride my bike 20-35 miles, and for my road bike that I love so much.
What I have found, as I have done this practice on a daily basis, is that my mind is quieter. I am more in the present moment; I am in a state of equanimity more often. By nature, I am not the most patient of people; I notice that I have been more present and more patient with my clients. I generally feel much more attuned to my clients and friends.
I feel better about myself, and it seems those closest to me want to spend more time with me.
I recover more quickly when something is bothering me or when I have to set a boundary (which I have had to do!).
I wear a Fitbit that monitors my resting heart rate. Notably, my resting heart rate has decreased about 5-10 beats/minute, which has increased my cardiovascular fitness.
I encourage you to try this: either when you get up in the morning or before you go to bed (or both!), bring to mind three things for which you are grateful. Strive to develop the “felt sense” of gratitude, not just the thought. Drop into your emotional heart center. In the moment, when you experience something like a magnificent display of lightning or a rainbow, pause and let the magnificence in. LOOK for beauty in the world.
And one final thing: LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF TIME YOU LISTEN TO OR READ THE NEWS.
With Gratitude,
Linda
If you need support embracing the present or practicing gratitude, contact me to see how life coaching can help.