Cultivate Gratitude Through Your Senses
There are numerous ways to practice gratitude through our senses. By using our senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—we become more present. Embracing your senses allows you to utilize tools that are already available to you to build your discipline of gratitude.
As you go about your day, notice things from a sensory place. How do things smell? Or taste? Or feel? You can tap into sense-memories any time to help invoke feelings.
Sight
It's no secret that we're happier when surrounded by beauty. What beautiful things are you surrounded by right now? A colorful trinket on your desk? A photo of your family? A scenic view out the window?
Sound
Did you know that we're hard-wired to respond to music with emotion? Take a moment to consider a song or sound that brings you joy, comfort, or peace. For example, the tap of your pet's paws on the floor as they jump with excitement when you return home, or the pitch of your patio chimes in the breeze.
Touch
Touch is the very first sense we develop because it's how we figure out the world around us. What sorts of objects do you find tactilely pleasing? Think about the electricity you feel when you hug your loved ones. Or perhaps consider that soft blanket you like to cuddle up in for comfort.
Taste
We're eating or drinking throughout the day, but how often do we slow down and savor what we're tasting? Taste can bring you back to your childhood or transport you to a favorite vacation spot. Take time to really taste that sip of coffee, the first bite of an apple, or the sensation of some other food hitting your tongue.
Smell
Scent is a strong memory trigger. The fragrance of a loved one's perfume or cologne may bring a smile to your face. The smell of your favorite meal may invoke special happy memories. What can you smell right now? How does that smell make you feel?
By utilizing our senses to live in the moment, we leave behind negative thoughts. There is much to be grateful for when we really consider the many blessings we are offered through our senses.
Keep building your discipline of gratitude.
Bill
