gratitude tree
With Thanksgiving nearing, I invite you to participate in a gratitude practice.
Years ago, I purchased a small wooden tree that has rooted itself as a favorite November tradition. Every night during dinner, we go around the table and share what we are grateful for that day. It may be a kind thing someone did for you, the meal in front of us, an activity from the day, truly anything. As we go around the table, we learn a little more about each other's day, and share the beauty we experienced.
I have saved all of our “leaves”. As the empty tree comes out November 1, I read each leaf from the previous year. They are sweet gentle reminders of how life has changed, the boys penmanship and all that we have to be thankful for each year.
Day after day we add leaves to our tree. This short practice creates a lovely dinner conversation that is a highlight of my day. I also love teaching my boys the importance of expressing and acknowledging gratitude. There are many ways this could look in your family, we use this Gratitude Tree.
My personal practice is part of my morning Me Time. After I sit in meditation, I reflect on my previous day, and think ahead to my day ahead. I write down three gratitudes; a past, a present, and a future. What this looks like is often a highlight of my previous day, similar to what I put on the gratitude tree, a moment of what has been truly good in my day or week. The present moment is connected most frequently to my personal growth, because that is truly in the moment. And my future gratitude is rooted in all that I envision and manifest for an even better future. I express gratitude for I believe for all the gratitude I give, I receive exponentially.
I am truly grateful for the incredible life I am able to live, and hope that you are too. I hope you take this moment to find your own practice, even if just for today.
This Weeks A Door Within:
How can I practice gratitude?
What do I have to be grateful for in the past days or weeks?
How has my personal growth changed and how can I express gratitude to myself for this devotion?
What am I manifesting? How can I express gratitude for the opportunity to create the life of my dreams?
With love and gratitude,
♥ Ashley
