Gratitude and Mindfulness

GRATITUDE

There are two meta-attitudes that can significantly increase your happiness score. The first is gratitude. The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world you see. Before you practice gratitude, you are in the dark and there appears to be very little to be grateful for. We use confirmation bias to confirm all the bad things we think about the world. We look for evidence that supports our negative thinking as we always want to feel we understand the world. Once you begin to adopt an attitude of gratitude a new light dawns, sometimes a brilliant light, a light as bright as heaven itself. Gratitude changes your brain; and it changes the world. The more you practice gratitude, the more you will find to be grateful for.

The real gift of gratitude is the more grateful you are, the more present you become. In the English language, the word “present” has three distinct meanings: “here,” “now” and “a gift.” This is surely not a coincidence. Practicing gratitude teaches you that the greatest gifts are always available to you here and now.

One way to practice gratitude is to start expressing it. Think about who you are truly grateful for in your life. Do you realize how happy they will be when you tell them? Gratitude is double happiness because it blesses both the giver and the receiver.

HAPPINESS IN THE MOMENT (DR ROBERT HOLDEN)

Living in the “not now” is a chief cause of unhappiness, pain and lack. We do it because we fear happiness is somewhere else. The strain of not being present in your own life is simply too great. When you miss out on the present, you miss out on so much. No now; no life. The good news is, however, that it is never too late to be present and to really show up in your life. Your happiness score increases the more present you are in your life.

Truth is here, inspiration is here, love is here,
peace is here, help is here, God is here,
joy is here, because you are.

Read more: https://www.oprah.com/spirit/10-Ways-to-Increase-Your-Happiness/10#ixzz2qz5cBnEK

Mandy X

Photo by symphony of love

Author: Mandy Kloppers

Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.