“Gratitude is not an attitude in our mind. Gratitude is an internal experience of fullness and expansion in the heart” ~ Dr. Barbara De Angelis

Welcome to Day 1 of our Gratitude Experience.

We are so pleased you have invited more gratitude into your life, and would love to hear from you throughout the experience, be it in our comments section or post on our Facebook page.

We recommend to get the most out of the next 7 day experience:

• Use a journal for your thoughts, reflections and to capture any inspiration or ideas;
• Commit yourself to meditating each day, explore the provoking questions and immerse yourself into activities that are posed each day; and
• Open your heart and mind to enjoy the experience and be willing to allow what arises

If an uncomfortable emotion comes to your awareness, it is best to acknowledge it, rather than ignore it – emotions can range from sadness, anger, frustration, scepticism, disappointment, etc – remember these emotions are ‘signposts’ of what may be holding you back in experiencing a life of gratitude and have appeared for a reason.

Whenever you get drawn to these experiences, it may be time for you to let them go or to work them through and it is important you do it in a safe and supportive way. Some methods can range from acknowledging and breathing through it, writing about it and be open to for further understanding or consider connecting and being supported by a qualified practitioner.

If you would like to explore this, check out our members directory or we welcome you to visit one of our upcoming festivals in your local area.

Or you may experience a lightness, a joy and your heart expanding; your experience will be yours – remember nothing is wrong, or right; we all have our own way of experiencing our world, so give yourself permission to not judge, just explore and be open to what it brings for you.

For those that are new to meditation, here a few tips that may assist you:

1. Set a time and place that will give you time for yourself, it is always good to set up a routine when you are introducing something new;

2. When your mind wanders, do not get concerned – you are just becoming aware of how busy your mind is, it is easy to use an anchor back, I find focussing on your breathing, listening to your heartbeat and as you breathe deeply allow the beat to slow down can assist;

3. We will also give you an affirmation each day, repeating this when you mind wanders can also assist;

4. This week we are focussing on gratitude, so visualise your heart space expanding and allowing it to be open – if you focus on one or two things that you are grateful for;

5. It is a personal preference, some of us love the gentleness of silence however, you may be assisted in putting on a peaceful piece of music

Meditation is a practice that can assist with many things, bringing focus and attention to what you want to create while providing the physical benefits of stress relief and your overall health and wellbeing.

For the next 7 days, make the commitment to yourself to this meditative practice and spend a few moments both at the start and end of the day to capture your thoughts, how your day has been and what you are being grateful for. The way we suggest you can do this:

In the morning: close your eyes, imagine your day and set an intention for everything to flow

In the evening : before you go to sleep, write your 5 things to be grateful for and set an intention that tomorrow will be wonderful.

Ok, Let’s get started!

Today’s affirmation: ” I open my awareness to all I have” 

You may want to reflect on this affirmation, and set the intention to bring into your meditation.

I find having an affirmation a great anchor when your mind drifts in a meditation, so if you feel yourself drifting off and becoming aware of your busy mind, then always come back to the affirmation.

 

Your Daily Meditation

Now, take a few moments to look at the image we have captured today, what does this image reflect for you? Any memories? Does the image conjure up any feeling or thoughts? (Remember to capture your thoughts in your journal)

Take a few deep breaths and concentrate on the image, breathe it in, feel the silence and the peace that is held within this moment. With each breath, bring in what you are grateful for and if needed, on your breath out, the letting go.

The image could remind you about the expansion that nature often shows us and the fullness of mother nature and when we take the time to really be within nature, how she replenishes our soul.

When is the last time you have take time out, do you want to do this today?

Can you feel/hear/sense your breathing, has it been awhile since you have just allow yourself to “be” in a moment?

And what about the quote : “Gratitude is not an attitude in our mind. Gratitude is an internal experience of fullness and expansion in the heart”, what does that mean for you?

Some further questions to ponder today:

• What does gratitude mean to you?
• What would your life be like, if you were fully grateful for what you had?
• How does the quote above play out in your life?

These questions do not have right or wrong answers, they are here to allow you to take time to become more self-aware, your inner thoughts and feelings are shaping your world.

What do you want to focus on creating today?

We invite you to set an intention to enjoy whatever comes your way today, notice what comes into your awareness and know whatever it is, it is a “gift”; rejoice in it, be grateful for what life is bringing you.

The more you focus on the things you are grateful for, the more you attract; know you deserve all you desire your life to be.

And we look forward to connecting tomorrow!