A Lesson in Gratitude

I came across this video yesterday and thought it was so beautiful. In my teacher training we were led through a gratitude workshop with a wonderful man named Eishi, the producer of the movie Happy (if you need a good pick me up documentary, I highly recommend this one). He taught us a bit about the science of gratitude, but most of all proved it to us. We were asked to write down as many things as we could think of to be grateful for in the last 24 hours. 24 hours is a pretty short amount of time, but I think we were all stunned by how much we were blessed with in each of our lives, from the big things like being in Bali on an amazing training, to small things like a new friend giving you a hug just when you needed it. We each read our list out loud to each other. Then he led us through a short gratitude meditation before the next exercise. He asked us to think of someone who had helped us a great deal in a specific situation. We were then asked to write a letter to this person (not unlike the video below). When our letters were completed, some of the members volunteered to share their letters. It was such a beautiful moment of vulnerability and deep gratitude. We were all touched by the messages of love that people had written, tears included. Eishi encouraged us to send our letters to those we wrote them to or call them and read them. What came from those phone calls and letters, I'm not sure, but the science of it is true- gratitude will make you happy. When we choose to focus on our blessings rather than what we are missing, we quickly realize exactly how much we have to be grateful for. Hint: It's a lot!
Thankful List:
Cameron- Thank you for being such a loving supportive husband and best friend. You make me laugh harder than anyone Family and Friends- To both my friends and family back home and scattered around the world, thank you for being there for me and being your amazing happy selves- you guys make the world a better place Charlie- Could you be any cuter?! Thank you for being adorable and sitting on my feet when it's really cold Yoga and teaching yoga- Thanks for sending me on an incredible journey this year and pushing me through some tough stuff School- I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and study Taiwan- You beautiful country you. There will always be a place for you in my heart Health- I'm happy for a healthy body that keeps on moving Blog friends and readers (That means you!!)- Thank you for following along on this crazy expat blogging journey. As always, I'm so grateful you are here
I wish you all the best.
Thank you.