The Transformative Power of Gratitude

Unlocking the fullness of life

Greetings, and a very warm welcome to new and returning readers.

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Today is the first newsletter of the month and that means we are starting a brand new theme.

Our November theme is…..

Gratitude Takes Center Stage

I’m a sucker for a cultural moment.

• Barbenheimer

• Super Bowl Sunday

• Free Britney & Her subsequent memoir

• The Season Finale of “Succession”

Sensational events, like the ones above, capture our attention, give rise to a flurry of content -TikToks, podcasts, think pieces — and provide common ground for conversation.

While these pop culture waves are fun to ride, they’re frivolous, rarely offering much value beyond pure entertainment.

That’s what makes this time of year so special.

Every November, hoards of people agree to push gratitude to the forefront of our collective consciousness. Social media feeds flood with gratitude posts. Websites publish article after article about the benefits of gratitude. Email inboxes fill with invitations to join gratitude challenges.

It’s a month long, societal movement to shift our focus from scarcity to abundance.

What we have suddenly becomes enough.

Contentment settles in like snowfall on a winter’s day.

We realize how incredibly blessed we are.

Now, that’s a trend worth participating in.

The Science of Gratitude

The physical and psychological benefits of gratitude have been well documented.

One of the first scientists to seriously study gratitude, psychologist Robert A. Emmons, concluded that “Gratitude heals, energizes and changes lives,” and “It is the prism through which we view life in terms of gifts, givers, goodness and grace.”

Scientists Joshua Brown and Joel Wong simplified Dr. Emmon’s conclusion: “Indeed, many studies over the past decade have found that people who consciously count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed.” (How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain)

Gratitude has been linked to better sleep, improved heart health, a stronger immune system, decreased anxiety, and even longevity.

So, if all of these health benefits are scientifically backed and widely known, why don’t more people include a gratitude practice in their daily routines?

You can add that question to “why don’t people drink enough water?” and “why do people still smoke cigarettes?”.

Unfortunately, knowing doesn’t always translate to doing. Sometimes we need a little extra encouragement.

Gratitude in Action

This month I’m offering you, the Root&Rise community, a loving nudge over the edge of knowing and into doing.

Here is your opportunity to hop on the gratitude bandwagon and ride that puppy all the way to increased resiliency, elevated mood and improved relationships.

We’re going to get there together, through action.

Because, as it turns out, feeling grateful is only half the equation. In order to reap the benefits, you must also express gratitude.

Tell people how much you appreciate them, send thank you notes, give gifts, or express your gratitude privately in a journal.

It doesn't matter how you do it, it only matters that you do.

Put It Into Practice

For our first gratitude practice, I invite you to pick up a pen and put your gratitude on paper — first thing in the morning.

Writing out a daily, gratitude list is a treasured part of my morning routine. Each day, as I sip my first cup of coffee, I make a quick list of things I'm grateful for. This simple ritual sets the tone for my day and infuses positivity into everything that follows.

Try it for one week: jot down a quick list of five things you’re grateful for, before you start your day. It won’t take long. You can do it while you drink your morning coffee, like me, or you could even keep a notepad next to your bed and knock it out before your feet hit the floor.

Do it for the next seven days. Notice how if affects your attitude and how that impacts your daily life.

Put It Into Practice : Part II

Here are a couple of gratitude themed yoga + meditation classes to practice throughout the week.

10 Minute Guided Gratitude Meditation | Secret to Happy Day | SirrahMechele

10 Minutes | All Levels | Beginner Friendly

This meditation is perfect to practice right before you write your list. Sirrah Mechele does an excellent job of guiding practitioners into a space of gratitude.

After doing this peaceful, grounding meditation you won’t have any trouble coming up with things to be thankful for.

Morning Yoga: Practice Gratitude for Your Day Ahead | Yoga with Allie Van Fossen

22 Minutes | All Levels | Beginner Friendly

This gentle class is perfect for tired, stiff, morning bodies. I always feel ready to face the day after practicing it. Sprinkle in a little gratitude and you’re off to a great start!

Final Thoughts

I’ve given you a lot to digest here. Come back to this issue, reread the benefits of gratitude and practice the classes, when you need support.

Start writing your gratitude list today!

We’re all doing this together. Let me know in the comments how this goes for you.

I’ll see you next Sunday with another gratitude practice and more yoga + meditation classes.