November plants the seed of thanks in all of our minds because of Thanksgiving Day.
It’s easy to say, “thank you” and be thankful for all of the goodness around us. But let’s go a little deeper this month and be grateful. Gratitude is a way of being that’s different from giving thanks in one fleeting moment.
Gratitude is recognizing the importance of a source of happiness and then showing deep appreciation for it. It becomes a state of mind when you are openly conscious of it and embrace it.
You might be reading this now wincing and thinking, “What a bunch of hippy dippy baloney” (from the Lego Movie, hee he). It’s not.
There’s science behind it, specifically as a facet of positive psychology. Studies show that we can deliberately cultivate gratitude, increasing our well-being and happiness. So if gratitude can make us happier and healthier, why not incorporate it into our lives every day?
Take a second to absorb this quote from British psychologist Robert Holden:
“The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become.”
Being present is a concept that comes up often in yoga class.
What does it mean to be present?
It means to bring awareness to your thoughts and actions in the moment. To me, being present means that I put my phone away along with other distractions as many times a day as possible to really BE with the people I love. Whether it’s reading a book with my daughters after school or making plans to have tea with a friend, it’s so important to be where you are in both body and mind — without your mind drifting off.
To be present during the holiday season takes it up a notch.
There is so much to do and so little time. How can we be more grateful and mindful during the holiday season? Start by simplifying your list. So many of us (myself included) go overboard with the consumerism of shopping and gifts during the holidays. Less is more, and time together is even better. Make gifts together as a family. Fill the calendar with quality time among friends and family instead of To-Do’s. While you’re there, listen and really connect without running your list through your head. Be mindful of where your mind goes and consciously bring it back to the present.
Before jumping headfirst into the madness of the holiday season, take this precious month of November to be grateful and make it a more meaningful time. Express gratitude and appreciation for what you have in a non-consumer way or want. Practice gratitude by noticing the positive things in life.
Take time to enjoy people and the world, and give back to others.
Be grateful for loving friends and family. Be grateful for health, even if you’re not exactly where you want to be. Be grateful for the gifts of the season in nature. Be grateful for a warm, sunny day in November or a pile of leaves for jumping. Be grateful for the rolling waves of the ocean and the flowing water of the rivers. Be grateful for our beautiful Plum Island beaches. Be grateful for our lively city of Newburyport.
Can you see the world with a glass half full?
Sometimes it helps to take the point of view of a child or watch a little one being grateful for the simple pleasures in life.
We as adults have so many preconceived notions that it takes a conscious change of mental state to truly open our minds. Take the time to retreat and reflect. Wake up in the morning thankful for the rising sun. Eat your meals mindful of where the food came from. Be grateful for the farmers who harvested those vegetables. Appreciate and acknowledge all of the people who are part of your day to day life. Maybe then we can see the world with a sense of wonder and gratitude. The way we once did. As children.
This holiday season consider giving time, energy or donations to help our community.
Plant the seed for giving now, and carry it throughout the year. It will add gratitude and appreciation to your life and those around you. There are so many wonderful organizations in the greater Newburyport area that need our help. Here are some ideas:
– Serve a meal at Pettengill House or Our Neighbor’s Table
– Volunteer at the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen
– Fill a Thanksgiving basket for the Salvation Army
– Donate items that no longer serve you to the Community Giving Tree or Leeward Light
– Host a coffee with friends to raise awareness for the Newburyport Education Foundation
– Build hope and homes for local families with Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity
– Buy an extra toy for toy drives with Newburyport Fire Department (December 12, 9am at the Storey Avenue Stores) and during the North Shore Music Theater’s production of a Christmas Carol
– Give blood with the Red Cross to help our hospitals keep up with extra demand
These next few months, choose gratitude. Be happy, thankful, and fill your heart with peace. Enjoy the harvest of the season with friends, neighbors, and family.
Have a joyful November and December!