We do not need research to tell us that it feels good when we extend gratitude towards others. Those acts of kindness, whether big or small, boost our moods and add an instant pep to our step. But that spur-of-the-moment, feel-good mood burst isn’t random. Extending gratitude to ourselves, others, and the world causes the endorphins to surge in our brains, helps release oxytocin, and has even been associated with reducing inflammation in the body, according to Thupten Jinpa, a professor at McGill University.

 

Gratitude, compassion, and acts of kindness are often used interchangeably. Gratitude is defined as inward appreciation for someone, something, or yourself, where compassion is outward-looking empathy that motivates action. Although there are slight differences between the terms, there are strong links between them, which makes putting them into action all the more powerful. Gratitude can be exercised through expressing compassion, and expressing compassion reinforces gratitude. So it is a win-win! It is a cycle worth investing in.

 

And the bonus is that practicing gratitude and compassion improves over time. Even though the well-known phrase "practice makes perfect" isn’t exactly true verbatim, there is no arguing that practicing these skills will help make the world a better place. 

 

Let’s heed the advice that “The best time to start was yesterday, the second best time is today,” and get started.

 

This year, we are launching the Bloom Wild Gratitude Project.  There are two parts: gratitude towards self, and gratitude towards others and the world! Here’s how to participate:

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Gratitudes Towards Self

 

1. Download our free recording sheet.

2. Visit our gratitude page or Instagram each week or the self-gratitude of the week.

3. Close your eyes. Take a full breath in and a full breath out. On your next breath, quietly repeat the statement to yourself. Exhale. Repeat 2-3 times.

4. Record the gratitude statement on your recording sheet.

5. Add a note, something specific related to the statement that you want to focus on, a related experience, thoughts/feelings...

6. Come back to this statement throughout the week. Or even write it on a sticky note for your mirror, car, computer, or refrigerator as a reminder to yourself how amazing you are and that you are worth investing in!

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Gratitude Towards Others and the World

 

Expressing gratitude extends beyond ourselves. It just so happens that we are often the first neglected or missed when we start sharing joy, thankfulness, and love. In addition to the self-gratitude project listed above, we will also have a monthly challenge or focus aimed at sharing gratitude and compassion with the world. This includes family, strangers, nature, animals, etc…

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Draw a heart in each circle as you complete it! Once it is complete, challenge yourself to make these actions a new part of your life.

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Join us and start spreading kindness and joy to the world around you!

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I would love to hear your gratitude stories! Please feel free to share them with me at stephanie@bloomwildyoga.com or via Instagram @bloom_wild_yoga

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xx

Stephanie

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