How to harness the healing power of gratitude
And how this simple practise can shift your entire frequency
Practising gratitude might seem like a simple act, but it possesses huge potential to change our lives for the better, changing our body composition at a chemical level which shifts your outlook and mindset to feel better.
Unlike feeling thankful (another important aspect of a happy, fulfilling life) gratitude is an intentional act, or a ritual we can instil into our routine to better our perspective, improve wellbeing and lift our vibrational frequency. While it can sound like yet another thing on the to-do list, we promise the life-changing benefits are worth it.
According to Bruce Lipton, stem-cell biologist, bestselling author and internationally recognised leader in the concept of ‘bridging science and spirit’, there is scientific evidence to show that regular gratitude practice can increase our cellular – and thus physical – health:
“Gratitude is expressed as a primary emotion. It is a state of mind translated by the brain into complementary neurochemistry that is secreted into the bloodstream. The chemistry of gratitude energises the body and releases a wave of euphoric sensation, a sense of harmony with all that is” he explains.
The way it does this is through the release of feel-good natural chemicals including dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. Together, these contribute to feelings of happiness and contentment, helping you to heal and better your life. Better yet, the more you practise, the easier it becomes, helping you to attract and surround yourself with good energy.
But where to start? Gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Instead, it can look like small but purposeful (and regular) acts that come with a big impact. Keep reading for some top tips.
Journaling
If you’re new to practising intentional gratitude, try starting with a blank journal and writing down three things you’re grateful for each day. It can be anything from the weather to a warm meal or spending time with a loved one. It could be the first thing you do in the morning, or a wind-down ritual before bed each evening.
Affirmations
Positive affirmations are another ritual we believe in, so why not adapt them to suit your daily gratitude? Verbalising our thoughts is a powerful tool and, because our words carry an energetic frequency, expressing what we’re grateful for has a powerful effect on our mindset, and therefore the energy that surrounds us (it’s often referred to as quantum language and you can read more about it here). Stand in front of the mirror and express three things you're grateful for out loud, paying attention to how you feel before and after.
Vocalising your gratitude to others
Another simple but transformative way to practise gratitude in your life is to express it verbally to others. This can be as simple as sharing it with friends, family members or a partner — tell them what you value in your life and why. A nice exercise is to share these thoughts together. Make a point of stating three things each of you value in the other; it’s a great way to strengthen your relationship as well.
Practise mindfulness in times of stress
Expressing gratitude — and the ensuing positive thoughts this generates — can work to crowd out negative emotions such as stress, frustration, anxiety and anger. So, next time you find yourself starting to slip into a negative mindset, make an effort to stop, take a deep breath and state something you're grateful for (it could be as simple as a hot coffee or finding a parking spot at the supermarket). While it might not fix the issue at hand, it will shift your frame of mind and leave you feeling much more rational.
Want to learn more about how mindset can affect and improve your life and energetic frequency? Read our tips on setting intentions for the year ahead here.
Article sources: Think Beyond Your Genes, November 2018. Bruce H. Lipton, PhD.