It is #GratefulFriday

It's #gratefulfriday

Finding gratitude during challenging times can be really hard to do. When we’re going through difficult times it seems nearly impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It feels easier to shut down than to move toward optimism and to trust that everything is happening for you, not to you, let alone actually feel grateful for the experience.

We tend to focus on the what ifs, the should haves, the would haves, the negative instead of taking each interaction or endeavor for the lessons that it has to offer. We hold on to negative emotions. Holding on to negative emotions towards situations and people in our life, not only can exacerbate the painful feelings we are trying to avoid, but can keep us stuck in the past or the future and we miss out on so much joy.

When we embrace the lessons from each experience instead of pining over what it could have been, we allow ourselves to let go and to grow on our journeys in life. I know the idea is easier said than done. Cultivating a grateful heart can help us to let go and shift our mindsets from negativity to one of appreciation - for the people, things, and simple pleasures in our life - and into the present moment.

Like anything, cultivating gratitude takes practice. To help us let go of yesterdays hurts and sorrows, let's try this Tonglen Meditation, an ancient Buddhist technique known as energy exchange. In this meditation we will bring something into us that is healing, nurturing and release something that no longer serves you.

Breathe in love. Release fear

Breathe in worthiness. Let go of lack of

Breathe in expansion. Release constriction

Breathe in abundance. Let go of limiting beliefs

Breathe in infinity. Release limitations

And now just let the Universe flow into you and out of you with each breath.

xo Lindsay