It’s MINDFUL MONDAY, and I challenge you to stop, reflect, be grateful, and simply BE with this experience. In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday approaching this week, I often wonder what I am grateful for in my life. Have you ever thought of what you appreciate?
Most of us can engage in this activity on an intellectual level and note our gratitude in a matter of seconds. However, today I challenge you to SAVOR and BE with this experience. I know you are probably thinking to yourself “Savor? What does that even mean? Or “How do I even find the time to do this?” My answer is YES, you can SAVOR your gratitude and it will only take a few minutes. You might be surprised at the outcome. I know you are probably planning, cooking, traveling, running errands, or stressing about seeing family this week. It is a common human experience.
However, I challenge you to do the following as a means of coping with the stress that comes along with all of these demands this season. Are you with me? Let’s begin!
Step One: Gather a pen/pencil and a piece of paper, and notice what it feels like to hold these materials, as most of us today use our laptops or I-phones to take notes.
Step Two: Make a list of what you are grateful for. This can be anything! It can be your health, a roof over your head, the laugh you had with a friend. Anything you want.
Step Three: As you make your list, notice how your body feels. Notice any physical responses. You can ask yourself: Am I smiling? How am I feeling? Did the temperature in my body change? Label as many feelings as you can.
Step Four: Savor your gratitude. Take a few moments to breath in and out deeply. Breathe in your abundance, your gratitude.
Step Five: If you find yourself feeling stressed during the day, take a breath, and go back to your list. Envision what you are grateful for. Take a moment to truly feel it.
Have a wonderful day!
About the Author
Dr. Cristina Dorazio is a New York State licensed psychologist and owner of her private practice, Unity Psychological Consulting, PLLC. She earned her Ph.D. from Columbia University and her specialties include: women’s reproductive health, couples counseling, mindfulness, and career coaching. You can find more information about her practice at: www.unitypsych.org.