Welcome back to the Sacred Routine Challenge! This week, we've been focused on weaving small, supportive actions into our days. We've designed a sacred morning start, created a hydration ritual, and started an evening wind-down. Today, we're going to add a practice that can profoundly shift our mindset and energy: a gratitude ritual.
Gratitude is more than just saying "thank you." When we practice it with intention, it's a powerful tool for shifting our focus from what we lack to what we have. It can reduce stress, improve well-being, and help us see the beauty and abundance in our daily lives. The key, however, is that gratitude must be felt, not just listed. A quick scribble in a journal or a mumbled thought in the morning won't have the same effect as a genuine, heartfelt moment of appreciation. If gratitude is just a box to check off your to-do list, it loses its power.
Your task for today is to choose a consistent time each day—either in the morning or at night—to intentionally practice gratitude.
For a morning gratitude ritual, you could:
- As you take your first sip of coffee or tea, think of one thing you are truly grateful for in that moment. Feel into it, be present, and allow the gratitude to fill every cell of your being.
- Before you open your laptop or check your phone, write down three things you are looking forward to or feel grateful for today.
For an evening gratitude ritual, you could:
- Before you fall asleep, reflect on your day and think of one specific moment that brought you joy, comfort, or a sense of peace. It can be something big or small (a hot shower or indoor plumbing).
- In your journal, write down what you are grateful for, but add a sentence or two about why you are grateful for it. For example, "I am grateful for the sun shining today because it filled my room with warmth and lifted my spirits."
The goal is to go beyond the surface and connect with the feeling of gratitude. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let the warmth of that feeling expand in your chest. When you truly feel it, you are training your brain to seek out the positive and find joy in the present moment. This is a crucial component of intentional living.
This daily practice of gratitude is one of the most effective ways to combat the negativity bias that often plagues our minds. It helps us find joy in the small things, turning a simple moment of appreciation into a powerful sacred routine. Start today, and notice how this small shift can change your perspective on everything.
If you want more tips and support, find me on TikTok, find me on TT:@ starseedsarah. Let's continue this journey to balance and purpose, and let our energy show what we choose to focus on – success, love & courage!
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