The three steps to practicing gratitude are simple: Stop. Look. Go. As a core methodology for living a grateful life, this foundational practice is like a mantra that grounds you and expands your perspective. But much more than that, it awakens you to your life and reminds you that in every moment there is an opportunity. You can return to this gratitude practice throughout your day and in every situation.
Follow These Steps to Experience Gratitude Every Day
Step 1: Stop
When life is challenging and when life is joyful, it is important to remember to stop.
- If your thoughts are wandering and you experience fear
- Between waking and leaving the house
- If you’re busy and overwhelmed and forgetting to appreciate your day
- When preparing a meal
- When a hard day comes to a close
- ….just stop for a moment
There are many distractions in modern life, especially as a result of technology. It’s easy to be mentally and emotionally somewhere else rather than in the present moment. Our thoughts and feelings, and the demands of life, distract us. But when you stop, you ground yourself in the moment and recalibrate.
Step 2: Look
Zoom in on all that is around you like a microscope coming into focus. The present moment is not yet fleeting if you approach it with an intentional heart and mind. You can attune to the moment, examine it with openness, and identify opportunities to be grateful.
Look around…
- Who is sustaining you by contributing to your life and wellness?
- Is there something to cherish or appreciate in this moment?
- What can you observe that you would otherwise miss if you hurried?
- How is this moment giving you something to carry into the next moment?
- What is one thing you would miss if it were gone?
Looking helps you discover something insightful or meaningful about life, yourself, and others. This step helps you recognize that while life is impermanent, there is always something to be grateful for and to experience that will carry you to the next moment.
Step 3: Go
Do something! Now that you attuned to the present moment and discovered what is meaningful in your life right now, respond to it with gratitude.
- When you recognize a need in the world, name it
- When you acknowledge something you cherish, savor it
- When you experience joy, enjoy it
- When you learn something new, fully experience it
- When you receive a gift in the moment, carry it forward
The foundational practice of Stop. Look. Go is not linear. Life can be hard and it can be surprisingly good. That means you may spend a lot of time Looking or a lot of time trying to remember to Stop. Regardless, the power of this practice is found in the unique perspective you find in the moment.
The gift that most accompanies the practice of Stop. Look. Go is contentment. By attuning to the moment you can better appreciate the beauty in your life, the people who sustain you, and your resilience. You will discover insights about your life that only you can fully understand.
The next time you are unsure, the next time joy moves you to tears, and in all of the moments in between, return to the simple and powerful practice:
Stop. Look. Go
Your observations and insights can help you navigate the day and make you wiser, and they are also a gift you can give others.
This article was written by Joe Primo, CEO of Grateful Living. You can find more about adding gratitude to your life at Grateful Living. And, please visit our MindBodySpirit.fm Gratitude Page to listen to over 25 podcasts about how to add Gratitude to your life!
