How to be more grateful
When we look at something with judgment — whether that is ourselves, another person, a situation, or even our daily lives — our attention is focused, like it’s a narrow beam. Our brains focus our attention on what we perceive as the problems. And why this can help us in specific situations, it’s not conducive for living a more joyful life.
If you approach those same things, with an intent to view them with appreciation, your attention broadens into a much wider beam. You are able to see things that you really couldn’t see before. In turn, this opens up new possibilities. Adopting a wider beam can help you to be more present, more loving, more creative, and less stressed.
This is a really important skill to use in the world, but it’s also one we need to use with ourselves. So often we look at ourselves with such narrow judgment, offering ourselves only the narrow beam — leading us to be unable to see many of our good and wonderful qualities, achievements, progress, and capacities.
Let’s practice together: what’s one thing you’re appreciating today?
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