Let us cultivate gratitude for something that is such a prominent feature of our natural environment, the trees. Those majestic structures that dominate the landscape and hold so much beauty. We can appreciate how trees provide us with so much. Be it the oxygen we need to breathe. Or the wood we need to start a fire and build a home. Or, how trees shelter us from the elements, the sun, the rain or the wind. Can you appreciate a time where trees benefited your life in some way? Spend a pause now imagining and reflecting on this internally, or, you may write it down.
We can draw our attention to how trees have the ability to change how we feel. Have you ever spent time in a forest and noticed that you feel more calm and clear during your time there, and afterwards? Or, maybe you've walked into a room with a beautiful view of the trees outside and felt better as you witnessed that. Perhaps you've spent some time sitting under a tree relaxing and you left feeling clearer and calmer. Think of a time in your life where the presence of trees improved how you felt. I'll give you a moment of silence now to reflect on this internally, or, you may write it down.
Consider something you appreciate in your life today. What do you love about your life right now? What went right for you today? It could be something related to today's theme of trees. Or, it could be something small, like enjoying your favourite food. Or perhaps something more significant. Maybe someone who has helped you in a big way, or perhaps something you received that made life better for you. Spend a pause now to reflect on this internally, or you may write it down.
See if you can bring this state of appreciation with you in your everyday moments. Be present and mindful as you experience the moments in your life. See if you can notice the things you love and appreciate. If you found it difficult to feel that inner smile of appreciation in today's session, know that with consistent practice, it will get easier. We can liken it to starting a campfire by rubbing two sticks together. Initially it will take some focused attention and effort rubbing those sticks together, until a small flame starts to emerge. That flame can represent the inner smile, the feeling of gratitude. Once that small flame emerges, with a little more focused attention blowing the flame and adding some wood, the flame will start to grow until you have a nice warm campfire. It is the same idea when you cultivate the inner feeling of gratitude. Once you start to notice a hint of that inner smile emerging as you reflect on what you appreciate, just continue focusing and reflecting and that inner flame, that inner smile will continue growing. And just like with starting a campfire, it will get easier and quicker the more you practice.
Wishing you a day filled with gratitude and love for life. Good Day.