Gratitude | up your happiness factor

I have been pondering this last week the importance of slowing down and appreciating the opportunities and blessings not just in my life but all around us. Just noticing. And wow, an amazing thing happened. I found that by placing my focus on positive things and expressing gratitude I upped my happiness factor and the things that might usually really bother me were not so significant.

It is experiences like the amazing sunset we had last night that are connecting experiences. We become so aware of the vastness of the earth, the cosmos and realise that although in comparison we are so small, we are still a part of it. It is as much in us as we are in it. So when I consider this I start to wonder how if as individuals we can create a empathetic, loving, grateful place within, how will this translate collectively?

We clearly need more love and acceptance in the world and by individually taking responsibility for living in the world as the best version of ourselves, maybe we can change the world one by one. Wouldn't it be wonderful if by practicing conscious gratitude and living in the world with love and kindness it could spread from person to person. It really shouldn't be too difficult as it's just being human after all.

Some benefits of practicing gratitude for body, mind & spirit;

Physical Health - there have been links between gratitude and reduced stress and depression as well as a better quality sleep. You are more likely to exercise hence reap the benefits of balance in your life.
 
Mental Health - being in a state of gratitude can have an influence on our perception of people and situations around us. We are more likely to have a 'glass half full' approach rather than 'glass half empty' view on life.
 
Emotional Health - by practicing gratitude you are automatically in a positive frame of mind. This helps with not only reducing negative feelings such as anger, resentment or bitterness, but can also assist in recognising these emotions and being more likely to explore them and promote personal growth through awareness rather than suppress them or project them on to others.
 
Spiritual Health - Filling your heart with gratitude immediately raises your vibration. This tends to move our focus more from our human body and more to the higher self. In expressing gratitude to spirit, God/ess, universe connects you to faith, love and hope which is your authentic self.