Thanksgiving is coming up in the U.S. next week. While this means different things to different people, the universally recognized experience is that it is a time of gathering. Gathering with family and friends can be a trying experience, especially if the people around you don’t feel like your tribe. You are the most important person in your life, so do what serves you. If you can, choose who you will spend this time with and what your group will collectively enjoy, regardless of tradition. If you are not able to make this choice yet, move yourself into a state of appreciation and keep a toolbox of little actions you can take to move yourself into a better state of mind. Take a walk when you need to, give yourself space if you require it, use your breath to calm and ground yourself, and when you are surrounded by others, remind yourself that you are never alone and are always loved and supported by Source/God/Goddess/Universe.
Living in gratitude is a choice we get to make moment by moment, each day. When things are hard, and life feels overwhelming, finding things to be grateful for can feel impossible. Start small with those things that are constants – your heartbeat, your breath, and your senses. One thought always triggers another in the same spirit. Adding in the emotions and immersing yourself in appreciation of that thought reinforces it, moving you forward with more such thoughts. We shift our mental and emotional state a thought at a time.
Take a gratitude journey with me now:
Be in a quiet space and sit comfortably, letting your body relax and your eyes gently close. Go deeper with each inhale and exhale, relaxing more into every moment.
Visualize a golden light streaming down, moving along your body and surrounding you, gently loving each area it flows over – the Light of Source/God/Goddess/Universe. Tune into what you are feeling right now. Give yourself permission to feel these feelings and then release them, letting the golden Light wash away the negative, cleansing your being with Love. Now open your eyes and let’s begin stepping into powerful, healing thoughts:
I am here in my body for a reason. The steady beat of my heart, the sound of breath, the rise and fall of my chest, and my feet grounded to the floor, are affirmations of this truth.
In this moment, I am okay. I am worthy. I am perfect as I am, where I am. I am an abundant being stepping into my power.
I am grateful for good thoughts.
I am grateful for (a sight/sound/smell/taste) right now.
I am grateful for water.
As you move into this state of gratitude, more thoughts come to you, supporting this state. Allow yourself to drift forward on this positive momentum and continue building on it.
Use the script above to start yourself off and once you are in a more positive state with thoughts of gratitude coming to you, follow them. The more we practice creating this state, the easier it is to find it!
I am in gratitude for you and the Light you bring to our world. Why walk this life journey solo when we can dance in community? Join us this week in my From Trauma to Triumph community as we dance in gratitude.
Many Blessings,
Santa