Gratitude
“A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.”
We strive to live by these words, so much that they are a core part of Grit & Grace Studio’s Manifesto. During our weekly meetings, the Grit & Grace family comes together to set our intentions both as individuals and as a team to move through the world with grace, grit, gratitude, and love.
We believe that when you choose gratitude, the world opens up before you. Your life experience becomes richer, more fulfilling, and filled with magic, and you become empowered to chase after your dreams.
Gratitude is not a momentary feeling, however, but a practice to be maintained and nurtured continually over time.
Whether you're refreshing or expanding your current gratitude practice or just beginning your first gratitude meditation, we're sharing our favorite tips and thoughts on cultivating a grateful heart.
Why Is Gratitude Important?
Let’s start with the basics. What is gratitude? According to the Harvard Medical School, “Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives.”
Focusing on the positive things and sources of joy in your life leads to feelings of fulfillment and increased mindfulness, thus leading to a better quality of life. It becomes a beautiful feedback cycle: “In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”
Expressions of gratitude often improve friendships, working relationships, and familial bonds. A simple expression of thanks can make those around you feel appreciated and seen, which can completely change the energy of an interaction. As you lean into grace and count your blessings, you may also experience reduced stress, decreased depression and anxiety, and better mental health and physical wellness.
8 Ways of Practicing Gratitude
Maintain a Daily Gratitude List
There is enormous power in channeling your thoughts into the written word. Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at the Dominican University in California, found that you actually become 42% more likely to achieve your goals and dreams, simply by writing them down on a regular basis.
When you begin your gratitude practice, a written gratitude list helps you to connect deeply to the joyous moments in your day and solidify your commitment to leading a more gracious life.
Jot down life’s beautiful moments in a Sugarboo Mini Leather Journal as you move through your day. The Mini Leather Journal measures 6” by 4” (perfectly sized for a purse or glove box) and features an embossed motivational quote. $30
Say Thank You
“Thank you,” is one of the most powerful phrases in the English language, and an expression of gratitude or token of thanks is deeply appreciated in any culture across the globe.
When you take a moment to say thanks, leave a handwritten card, or send a thank you gift, you consciously recognize the goodness in another person and lay the foundation for a positive and appreciative relationship.
Next time you’re feeling grateful for one of the pearls in your life, surprise them with a curated gift basket as an elegant thank you. From $60
Try Gratitude Meditation
Gratitude and mindfulness actually go hand in hand. The more you focus on the little things and the sources of joy in your life, the more you’ll find yourself consciously engaging with your surroundings and existing in the moment. A grateful attitude hinges on being present, so consider making a gratitude practice part of your daily routine.
Create a peaceful environment by choosing a quiet space and lighting a Los Poblanos Lavender Candle. Cleanse your energy with an artisan-crafted Sage Smudge Stick before calming your mind and taking stock of all the blessings in your life. $26
Engage Your Senses
If you struggle with living in the moment or your meditation practice, try to engage your senses. As you become aware of the smells, textures, and sounds around you, the stresses and chatter from our daily lives begin to fall away to allow you to focus on the present and cultivate a state of mindfulness.
Aromatherapy can be essential for calming the mind and engaging the senses, especially when you use lavender. Multiple studies have verified lavender’s calming effects on anxiety and ability to boost your mood, so treat yourself to some Los Poblanos Lavender Lotion, Lavender Skin Care Oil, or Lavender Mist. From $13
Choose a Gratitude Mantra
So, what’s a mantra? A mantra is a sacred utterance believed to have spiritual power. Repeating a mantra or affirmation is believed to keep you connected to a particular state of mind, in this case, gratitude. Choose a mantra that inspires you, grounds your gratitude practice, or helps you embrace an area of your life in which you’re struggling to see your blessings. Then, say your mantra as you move through your day or use a Mala Mantra Necklace during your gratitude meditation to stay centered.
The Mala Mantra Necklace pays homage to Buddhist prayer beads, and it features the sacred 108 beads with a sumeru pendant. This intentional necklace features an 18-inch chain and 4-inch agate and tassel sumeru; choose between the Matte Pink & Jasper Mala Mantra Necklace with an Agate Pendant or the Brass & Amazonite Mala Mantra Necklace with Pearls. $108
Wear Your Grateful Heart on Your Sleeve
The more you practice gratitude, you’ll find it becomes less of a conscious activity and more of a way of life. Celebrate your blessings and remind yourself and others of the importance of gratitude with a sweet, simple token.
Choose something that you can easily integrate into your daily routine and that will catch your eye as you move through the world, like our Mantra Bracelets or Mantra Cuffs. These minimalist pieces are embossed with motivational phrases, such as “Love My Tribe” and “You’ll Never Know Dear How Much I Love You”.
Set Intentions with Loved Ones
Expressing gratitude helps to deepen your personal relationships, so gather your most cherished loved ones for a Mala Workshop. During this creative, transformational experience, you’ll set your intentions, enjoy guided meditation, and learn how to make your own, utterly unique Mala Mantra Necklace to enhance your gratitude meditation. You’ll celebrate the bonds of sisterhood and form powerful connections to carry with you for years to come.
Choose a Gratitude Token
A visual prompt can be a valuable tool in achieving any goal, but it’s time to outgrow the Post-it Note. Display a beautiful gratitude token in your home or workplace to remind yourself of your practice and all the joy in your life.
Our Blessing Beads celebrate the blessings or “pearls” in your life while also functioning as lovely decor elements. They look stunning when nestled in a sweetgrass basket or on a decorative tray, laid over a motivational text, hung from a mantle, or displayed over a favorite vase. Learn more about the meaning and use of Blessing Beads! From $55
Are you feeling particularly grateful for someone special? We are here to guide you through the gift-giving process. Let our in-house calligraphy team personalize our Gilded Oyster Jewelry Dish, a strand of our ever-popular Blessing Beads, or an Oyster Shell Ornament. (You may enjoy reading about some of our most popular inscriptions and customizable products.) We would also love to add a handwritten gift card to your personal message.
We also offer a thoughtfully curated collection of gift baskets. Each basket contains artisan products, beautiful gifts, and fair trade items. Shop our Self-Care Gift Basket, Happy Birthday to Her, Newborn Gift Basket, and the Lowcountry Oyster Lover’s Gift Basket, among others.
One Love & Blessings,