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Happy New Year Audrey
I hope this message finds you well and that 2024 is on track to be a great year for you.
I wanted to share something that helps me have greater happiness and positive expectations. It’s been profoundly impactful in my life especially after all my health challenges.
It is the incredible power of appreciation and gratitude.
One man, Brother David Steindl-Rast, is the embodiment of living life in gratitude. He’s a 97 year old Austrian-American Benedictine monk and is known as the grandfather of gratitude. In a world bustling with the next big thing or the rush for success, Brother David reminds us of the sheer magic found in appreciating the present moment—the beauty in the ordinary, the richness in simplicity, and the profound impact of gratitude on our lives.
Watch this gorgeous video to fill yourself up with gratitude as you listen to Brother David's narration.
Appreciation isn't merely about saying "thank you" for the big, remarkable moments. It's about cultivating a state of mind that notices and cherishes the small wonders surrounding us—the laughter of a loved one, the warmth of the sun on our skin, or the simple joy of a shared meal.
It's in these moments of genuine appreciation that we unlock a transformative force. It shifts our perspective, allowing us to embrace life with a deeper sense of fulfillment, joy, and resilience.
Embracing appreciation isn't always easy, especially in the midst of life's challenges. However, Brother David's wisdom encourages us to see even the tough moments as opportunities for growth—to find the silver lining in every cloud.
Here are a few ways we can integrate this powerful practice into our lives:
- Morning Reflection: Start the day by reflecting on three things you're grateful for. It could be as simple as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or the comfort of your bed.
- Presence in Action: Engage fully in your daily activities. Whether it's work, a conversation, or a walk in the park, immerse yourself in the moment, savoring the experience. I am a trainer for a program, Positive Intelligence, that teaches you how to “be here now”. It’s great for stress reduction and clarity of thinking. If you’d like to learn more, set up a call with me.
- Gratitude Journal: Consider keeping a journal to jot down moments of appreciation. It's a beautiful way to track the abundance of blessings in your life. The app I use as my gratitude journal - is called the 5 Minute Journal which you can find in the Apple or Google Play stores. It incorporates morning and evening reflection too. And the best part, is that there is a FREE version. If you like to write in a journal, you can go to Intelligent Change and order a journal which has the prompts.
- Expressing Thanks: Take time to express your gratitude to those around you. A heartfelt "thank you" can brighten someone's day and deepen connections.
Brother David Steindl-Rast's teachings remind us that in cultivating appreciation, we're not only enhancing our individual lives but also contributing to a more compassionate and harmonious world. Learn more about him here.
As you start cultivating new habits, remember baby steps. Baby steps count because they move you closer to your goal.
How has the practice of appreciation touched your life? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this profound journey. I'm inviting you to set up a call with me to learn more about how I can help you decrease stress and cultivate happiness in your life. I do that with group classes and individual courses. Set something up right here.
Wishing you moments filled with gratitude and joy.
Audrey Weidman
Stress Transformation Coach
EmpowerMyHeart.com
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Clear Beliefs Coach Positive Intelligence Coach Certified Stress Mastery Educator
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