Gratitude In Small Doses

This morning I was putting on my shoes and I had a moment of mindfulness. I realized how much contentment I have found recently in the simple act of sitting down to lace up my shoes or do up the buckles before going out for work. It is a big contrast to the shuffle and rush I usually do as I shove my shoes on my feet and sprint out the door. I have been restructuring my mornings and it has paid off. I now enjoy putting on my shoes. I know it sounds silly to derive pleasure from such a simple thing, but in that moment I was filled with gratitude. It is not silly at all to take in the present and to appreciate the simple things. In fact, it is something most people strive for. I have found that simple moments, like putting on my shoes, are opportunities to slow down and practice gratitude.

As I was sitting there, I recognized what was happening and took the opportunity to let my mind fill with gratitude. I felt thankful for the very shoes on my feet. I felt gratitude towards the slowness of the morning. For the hot shower I took this very morning and the hot tea I had brewed. I felt thankful for this day and for this feeling of safety and contentment. I felt thankful for living in a safe little home. This small dose of gratitude, all within less than a minute of my time, brought me closer to happiness and peace today. I know people who take simple moments to practice gratitude, such as when they are washing the dishes, driving in their car, walking to the mail box, or doing laundry. Simple moment and acts in our routine are wonderful opportunities to practice gratitude in tiny doses.

In our days and in our lives there are thousands of small moments where we must do mindless or routine tasks such as chores around the house, our commutes to work, yard work, or exercise. But they do not have to be mindless at all. These are occasions that we have the chance to step into. These are occasions where we can invite mindfulness and gratitude into our lives. The next time you’re putting on your shoes or washing a dish, take a quick second to be present and bring your mind into the moment to appreciate something good, to name something that you are grateful for.

For example, when you’re washing a dish after eating you can take a second to be thankful for a nourishing meal. The next time you get dressed you can be thankful for the very clothes on your back, the start of a new day, or the sunlight coming in through your window. As you drive you can reflect on a good friend or someone who has been a positive impact on your life lately.

The next time you’re doing a mindless task like putting on your shoes, I challenge you to exchange the moment for mindfulness and gratitude instead. You will notice the difference in the way that you feel and the peace that the moment can give you. It can change the entire mood of your day.