28/10/2023
As part of my yoga teacher training, I was tasked with keeping a daily gratitude journal. Writing down things I was grateful for each day had at first seemed like a chore, but soon developed into a habit that literally changed my life.
I moved beyond the negative thoughts and emotions that can come with a busy, stressful life of work and looking after others, to focusing on what I do have and what I can do (rather than what I don't have and can't do. )
But, even more powerfully, it helped me focus on my values. Values are those things that we consider important or beneficial in our lives. So, interestingly, my gratitude journalling was highlighting values that were completely free, attainable and best of all, brought feelings of happiness and positivity.
So, rather than valuing things like new shoes, holidays and expensive meals out, (as nice as those things are), I discovered that I was grateful for simple things like "watching my kids laugh together at the dinner table" (this is rare!), and, "quietly, enjoying my first cup of tea of the day", and " a nice little chat and connection with my colleague", which suggested different values. So, corny as it might sound, I realise these are the things I need to invite more of into my life, not the expensive, material things....and this is incredibly liberating actually.
So, I recommend gratitude journalling as a wonderful way to reconnect with YOU, and to discover what actually makes you tick. Because, who knows, if you're anything like me, you may completely surprise yourself ππ§ββοΈ
www.yogabythesea.org
Whitley Bay Hub (formerly Big Local)
Mondays:
6.00-7.00pm Gentle Yoga
7.15-8.15 Vinyasa Flow Yoga