You’ve heard it before (perhaps to the point of cringe): gratitude is important. And we get it. We all want to be that yogi floating around, radiating happiness 24/7. But if gratitude doesn’t come naturally to you, rest assured that: a) there’s nothing wrong with you, and b) there are simple ways to nurture it - and we’re here to show you how.
Let’s get one thing straight: gratitude doesn’t come easily to most of us. And it makes sense! Our ancestors weren’t lying in bed sipping tea, writing in a gratitude journal. They were hunting, gathering, and scanning for tigers and bears. Pessimism and hyper-vigilance are part of our DNA - they kept us alive. Now, most of those “predators” are gone, yet our brains still tend toward worry, comparison, and feeling “less than.”
So how can we bring gratitude into our daily lives in a way that actually feels meaningful?
Practical gratitude
Mindfully savour: Pause during your day to notice and savour the good things. Maybe it’s the sun warming your skin, that first sip of coffee in the morning, or maybe you get a win at work. Instead of letting it pass you by, take a moment to really feel it. Linger in the good vibes for 20-30 seconds. It’s so easy and so effective!
Move: Use movement to embody gratitude. Yoga, Pilates, Qi Gong, or a simple daily walk. Moving your body helps anchor feelings of appreciation, allowing gratitude to be felt not just in your mind, but in your physicality as well.
End of day micro gratitude journalling: You don’t need to write a novel – this can be done in less than five minutes. Think 3,2,1: Three moments of joy from your day, two things you appreciate about yourself from the day, one moment you want to remember.
Imagine life without: Psychologists call this “mental subtraction,” and research shows it’s one of the most effective ways to boost gratitude. Imagining the absence of something good in your life instantly deepens appreciation. No need to get too stoic about it! Try picturing a life without your favourite dessert - or Pilates teacher. It might feel a little strange at first, but it’s surprisingly powerful.
Share it: Express gratitude to someone else - even a quick text can deepen your own sense of thankfulness.
Gratitude doesn’t have to be perfect, and you don’t need to feel it every minute of the day. Some days it will pop up effortlessly, and other days it might feel like a slog to muster up. And that’s okay. Even a few small pauses, noticing tiny joys, or reflecting on things you might normally take for granted can slowly shift your perspective on life. Over time, it all adds up, creating a sense of appreciation that follows you everywhere – in your home, work, and even on those mornings when your favourite Pilates teacher is away.
At Humane Yoga, we’re challenging our members to share one thing they’re grateful for each day. Members of the studio and community can message us on +61 448 023 431 to join the Whatsapp group.