Grateful for this monday meditation – appreciation and gratitude

“Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life.”

– Rumi

Bonjour, TGIM! Something I never thought I would feel, let alone say, but I am thankful. I am grateful for each Monday that God gives me. Another Monday to spend with the puppy. Another Monday that begins a whole new week, full of possibilities. And yes, I’ll admit, another Monday that I can do with whatever I please, which doesn’t have to include waking before dawn to spend 9 hours away from home at work 😉. Today I am grateful for this monday meditation – appreciation and gratitude.

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

– Marcel Proust

a special meditation

I had a beautiful guided meditation recently with Boho Beautiful, a Meditation for Positivity & Peace. The mantra was “Love, peace and joy surrounds me every day”. What really inspired me was what Juliana said at the end of the meditation. “Appreciation and gratitude not only diffuse negativity but attract more loving and positive energy into your life.” She went on to say pay attention to the little things that make you smile, that make you feel lucky to be alive. Those are the things to hold sacred in your heart. I can’t say enough how much of a happy influence Juliana and Boho have had on me, for them I am truly grateful.

“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.”

– Amy Collette

journal gratitude

In my journal I always write about what I am grateful for. I also have my happiness journal where I write down at least three things that made me smile that day. The beautiful cardinal that is singing outside of my window in the morning. My puppy sleeping safe and sound beside me. The delicious café noisette I had earlier. Remember to find gratitude for yourself too. I really think this one of the best ways to practice gratitude, when you take the time to write it down. It shows you your blessings, reminds you to stop and savor them and stops you from taking them for granted.

“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.”

– Margaret Cousins

appreciation

Expressing gratitude with just a quick word can help you feel more connected with others and it will make both of you feel good! When was the last time you told someone how much you appreciated them or something they have done for you? Make sure to say thank you often, and mean it. Write a thank you note or letter. You’ll be happy you did and you will probably make someone’s day in the process!

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”

– Eckhart Tolle

abundance

Always be mindful, especially mindful of your blessings. Remember that a still mind sees what is good and present, an anxious mind sees what is negative and missing. Practicing gratitude is a practice, something you continue to work on every day. And because this blog is so much about food, how about before eating, stop, think and be grateful for all of the people who have contributed to what you are eating? I am grateful for this monday meditation – appreciation and gratitude. It reminds me of where I started, my first blog post, first monday meditation, about being in control of what we reflect on and being grateful for all the blessings each day. The more gratitude you feel, the more reasons for gratitude you will find. Merci, thank you, for reading! À bientôt!