Out of AutoPilot and Into Gratitude

Finding Gateways to Gratitude in everyday life

At the start of November, I talked a lot about wanting to slow down. I set intentions for presence, pauses, and space.

But looking back on this month, I have to laugh a little. My "slow season" was actually filled with a LOT of activity! Between the Bollywood Bachelorette party, the Charity Gala flashmob, and the corporate teambuilding event, there wasn't exactly a lot of stillness.

But man, was there a lot of meaningfulness, connection, and certainly no shortage of fun. For that, I’m super thankful!

Whether it’s the chaos of a busy schedule or just the “boring” predictable rhythm of everyday life, it is so easy to forget to stop and count our blessings.  Gratitude requires awareness, which is the exact opposite of "autopilot."

So often, it’s not until we are forced to stop that we feel thankful for what we have had. It’s when we get sick that we value how precious our health is. It’s when someone isn’t by our side that we appreciate and even miss their quirkier habits.

I know it wasn't until I injured my knee years ago that I truly cherished dancing pain-free. And with cold season around the corner, I know something as simple as breathing freely feels miraculous when I’ve got a stuffy nose.  

But do any of us really want to walk around all day scaring ourselves with "what ifs” – what if I/they get sick, hurt, something goes wrong–  just to feel thankful for what we have? That’s not particularly uplifting. 

Instead, I’ve been trying to notice little "gateways to gratitude."  These are small rituals, habits, or sensory reminders that snap me out of autopilot and bring me back to appreciation and awe for what I have.  There suddenly appears magic in the mundane or reverence for what on the surface seems regular.  

Working often with my body, I personally find that engaging my senses is the best key to unlocking that awareness.

Here are my current gratitude gateways:

• Touch: Holding hands with my partner for just a moment before dinner to express thanks for the food, the company, and all the effort that went into the meal.

• Comfort: That specific split-second I slip into bed on a cool Fall evening and say aloud how lucky I am to be safe and warm.

• Movement: The cooldown in our class. It always signifies a moment to thank my body for what it just did, and to scan the room and appreciate the energy of everyone there.

This week, with Thanksgiving arriving, I’m getting even more reminders to be grateful for my loved ones, my health, my work, and for all of you following along with me.  But even without a holiday or a “slower” season, identifying my own personal gateways to gratitude helps to bring moments of appreciation to even the most chaotic of days. 

What little (or big) "gateway to gratitude" can you create for yourself this week?

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate!

Keep moving!

xx,

Katie