Expressing gratitude makes us happier and healthier; improving our immune system, reducing blood pressure, improving sleep and pain management. Recalling happy events help increase resilience and feelings of optimism.
Step 1: Spend a minute looking for a natural object that reminds you of a particular happy memory. This could be a distant childhood memory or a more recent experience. The object can be a physical item like a rock, leaf or bird or may relate to your other senses, such as a smell or a sound or even a feeling.
Step 2: Spend at least one minute reflecting on this happy memory. How does your item remind you of that moment?
If it’s an item, touch it. If it’s a sound or smell, close your eyes and embrace it. If it’s feeling the warmth of the sun or breeze across your skin, enjoy it.
Step 3: Give gratitude for that experience and the many more happy experiences still to come.
As you move to the next station leave the object behind but hold that happy memory with you.