Remember the walk I mentioned on Day #3???
Today’s activity is a Gratitude Walk.
Take a walk today with the intent of expressing gratitude during it. Your expression will most likely be internal (although external is absolutely allowed!!), but it is important to articulate it, even if only in your mind. That is the heart of the walk.
Your walking tempo will, most likely, reflect the pace of your thoughts. It may be slow and contemplative or it may be at a more brisk pace. The former is best for reflection while the latter’s quick steps energize and feed one’s gratitude.
It may be in a selected area with lots of visual stimulation, or it may be on the sidewalks of your neighborhood; perhaps it is both of those things!
As we’ve mentioned in other activities,
there is no right or wrong way to do this.
However, before you start, turn off your cellphone or switch it to airplane mode or even (gasp!) leave it behind. Crazy, I know, but that’s what we’re here for. We want to shake things up, to stir up fresh life and gratefulness!
As you walk, focus on your breathing, deeply inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth, perhaps even raising your hands above your head to get the blood flowing. Feel the length of your spine, holding your head high with your feet firmly connected to the ground.
As you start to move, give thanks for your ability to walk.
This is a powerful starting point.
Jump off from there!
Maybe you start by verbalizing gratitude for specific physical abilities…
(“I am thankful for my ears that allow me to hear.”)
or material blessings…
(“I am grateful for a warm house where I feel safe.”)
or family…
(“I am thankful for my daughter because…”)
Your focus may start internal, then move external; or vice versa.
You may repeat yourself. That’s okay.
If negative experiences or difficulties come to mind, look for a silver lining.
Did it teach you about yourself or someone else? How did you grow through it?
Embody gratitude to whatever degree you can.
And remember, there is always something to be thankful for.
Even in death, we can rejoice in happy memories and shared joys.
Find joy today by fostering a spirit of gratitude!!