Gratitude changes everything
As we navigate uncertain times, now more than ever, we need to focus our attention on the positive aspects of our life.... for ourselves and also our students. When we look at our lives through the lens of gratitude, and focus on the many reasons we have to be grateful, life feels better, and our worries seem less.
Expressing gratitude instantly shifts our energy towards a more positive approach to life, and the situations we are facing. It can shift our mindset from negative rumination to positivity.
Being able to do this when life is challenging takes practice, which is why cultivating a daily gratitude practice is so important.
There are also many health & wellbeing benefits to gratitude. such as improving sleep, empathy, self-esteem, social connection and psychological health.
Gratitude Exercises and Activities
There are infinite ways to show our gratitude to others, to ourselves or the world around us. However, it can be tough to get started without practical ideas. These gratitude exercises and activities are some of the most well-known and proven ways to practice and enhance your gratitude. They are also simple ways to cultivate gratitude in the classroom or with children.
Journaling
Writing down a few things you are grateful for is one of the easiest and most popular exercises available.
Gratitude Rock
Carry this rock around in your pocket or leave it on your desk.
Whenever you see it or touch it, pause to think about at least one thing you are grateful for.
Gratitude Jar
Think of at least three things throughout your day that you are grateful for. Write them on a slip of paper and store in your jar.
Gratitude Tree
Write or draw or write things that you are grateful for on the leaves. Display it in the classroom.
Gratitude Walk
Observe the things you see around you as you walk. Be aware of nature, the colours of the trees, the sounds the birds make, and the smell of the plants. Notice how your feet feel when you step onto the ground.
Gratitude Cards
Make somebody’s day by telling them what you are grateful for with a hand-made card.
Gratitude Flowers
Write or draw or write things that you are grateful for on the leaves. Display it in the classroom.
Acts of Kindness
No act of kindness is ever too small. When we give to others we cultivate our capacity to open our heart, which is a core component of gratitude.
Mindful awareness
Take a moment to sit still, bring your awareness to all the things you are grateful for in your life. Focus on how this feels in your heart.
Create a Class Gratitude Journal
Nurture the conversation and depth of gratitude by creating a weekly class journal on gratitude. Each child takes turns to complete a page. Display each child’s page and share with families.
Resources to support your Mindful classroom
We have created 3 Class Gratitude Journals (for JP, MP and UP)
Find out more about these resources and where you can buy them on our Resources page: https://www.centreformindfuleducation.com/resources
With much gratitude
Jan Carey, Director, Centre for Mindful Education