5 Habits of Gratitude Vs. 5 Habits of Entrapment

Everyone gets caught in cycles; regardless of whether they are healthy or destructive patterns, we must succumb to our habits' truth. The key to life is finding ways to build up healthy habits based on gratitude, resulting in a more peaceful and loving life, and to end and replace habits that trap us in cycles of despair, anxiety, and depression, which I'm sure we agree are far too familiar in our modern world. While there is no comprehensive or individualized list for creating a more pleasurable and bountiful life, here are 5 habits of gratitude vs 5 habits of entrapment that keep us in negative cycles:

Appreciate the Present: Those who embrace a gratitude-based lifestyle possess a remarkable ability to find beauty and value in their present circumstances. They genuinely appreciate the blessings surrounding them, whether big or small, recognizing that each moment carries the potential for joy and growth. This unwavering gratitude becomes a guiding light, illuminating the path to happiness. To center yourself in the present, try a gratitude-based meditation where you breathe deeply for one minute before delving into your feelings when someone was grateful to you. It can even be for something simple, but spend one to three minutes dwelling on that positive exchange with someone you know or even with a stranger. This will rewire your mind, and when you come out of the meditation, you will be ready to be grateful for your reality.

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Regretting the Past and Fearing the Future:when we focus on the past we can spin out dwelling on regrets, likewise the future can be filled with dread if we aren't careful to envision and feel the positive outcomes we desire. When we focus on the the past and future we can stay there for hours and even days without realizing that we are breathing, our heart is beating, our family and friends are here with us or at least present in some way and those things keep us grounded to the truth, we live in the present.

Give Generously and Often: A cornerstone of a gratitude-centered existence is the desire to give back. Those immersed in gratitude are likelier to engage in acts of kindness, generosity, and selflessness. Their compassion ripples outwards, inspiring others and fostering a sense of interconnectedness. This habit not only uplifts the recipients but also enhances the giver's own sense of fulfillment. So give generously and as often as possible in both small and big ways and see how you will be uplifted in every area of your life. Consider donating to our current humanitarian campaign.

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Succumbing to a scarcity mindset: It can be easy to believe that there is not enough for everyone when you're fighting over the crumbs, but the truth is we all need to stand up and take a seat at the table where there is a feast laid out before us. There is more than enough for everyone to live an abundant life, and while distribution of resources may not always be present it is an invitation for us to be a part of the solution to bring justice through provision. Especially within yourself, you have everything you need to fulfill your life's calling. Learn more about the scarcity mindset here.

Thinking the Best of Others: People don't always act in ways we believe would be the nicest. There can be a million reasons for this, our perceptions and energy being one of the major ones, and yet don’t let the feeling of someone’s behavior change yours. Give them the benefit of the doubt; perhaps it's been challenging for them, maybe they see things differently than you, or there are things you can't understand inside them. Regardless, we are the masters of our internal environment, and not letting other people’s actions dictate that is one of the most genuine forms of freedom. So think the best of others because that’s all you can control.

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Giving in to Suspicion: in this world of negativity focus it can be easy to believe that everyone is out to get us. We give in to our suspicion that no one is on our side giving the illusion that we are alone in this world and we need to protect ourselves from harmful people at every turn. While it's true that we don't have to give out our vulnerabilities and secrets, it is very important to have deep relationships with both yourself and trusted others, and to be friendly with all those you come into contact with. You are able to protect your heart and still be vulnerable.

Speaking mindfully and with compassion: We have been given two ears and one mouth; this saying resounds because while some feel there are so many things to say, others say nothing at all, and between them hangs a beautiful balance of speaking mindfully and with compassion. This means that we listen first to others, to ourselves, and God and nature. All these sources constantly tell us things; when we turn ourselves towards them, they can lend us their wisdom. How many times have I preemptively gotten upset at something that turned out to be no big deal? Instead, I can choose first to understand the situation and then use my words to add to the beauty of the world and provide healing and loving spaces for all living things.

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Saying everything you think and feel: In the stress of the moment it's natural to want to speak what you are thinking and feeling out loud, but your mind and emotions lie, and your words have power. Your mind and body do what you tell them too and they only know what is in the present, so when you feel like blurting out something hurtful or speaking in the heat of emotions try taking a breath, a walk, jumping up and down or tapping on certain points of the body. Do what it takes to reclaim your power and keep your words focused on gratitude and truth.

Envisioning the world you desire to live in: Have you ever wondered what it would look like if you were successful in every area of your life? How would it be if the world was totally peaceful? What would you do if you knew there was no more suffering? These may be idealistic concepts, but the fact is that your brain and body often only know what you telling it. That means that if you fill yourself with the feelings you would feel having all these realities, then you will naturally create that world, and if we all did this, then there would be peace. It is not a denial of reality but rather a choice to live in the feeling of how you believe things should be and living for that reality.

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Believing things will always remain the same: most who have experienced severe depression and anxiety know that a key factor is the belief that you will always feel that way. The idea that things will always remain the same can be crippling, but it's never true, change is the nature of things and though it's not easy to believe in a positive future while feeling negative emotions, joy could be just around the corner. Try visualizing an ideal future, even if for only a moment a day, or talking with someone who can help you imagine it.

Transforming your life with these habits and embracing gratitude is transformational, allowing you to break free from patterns you may have thought could never be changed. It is not easy. Integrating your full humanity and building a peaceful and just earth is essential. So, come along with us, and let's create the reality we need to see together.