LIFE LESSONS | SET 5:5
DAY 5
GRATITUDE FOR THE WORLD AROUND US
Today, let's turn our attention to the wonders of nature. The world around us holds countless reasons to be grateful - and it’s always with you.
• GRAB YOUR JOURNAL AND ANSWER THIS ONE •
What is a natural element—be it a sunrise, a tree, or a gentle breeze—that fills you with gratitude?
Spend at least 15 minutes outdoors. Observe and appreciate the beauty of nature around you.
A GRATITUDE SYMPHONY: NATURE
In the midst of those packed full, busy days, it's easy to forget about the incredible world just outside our windows. But nature, in all its glory, is like a symphony playing all around us – if only we take the time to listen and appreciate it.
Connecting with nature can be a powerful way to spark gratitude and wonder in our lives. It reminds us that we're part of something bigger, something awe-inspiring. And the best part? This natural "gratitude booster" is free and accessible to everyone.
Paw notices more things about nature than anyone I’ve ever met. Things other people normally overlook – the intricate pattern of bark on a tree, the delicate balance of a butterfly on a flower, the soothing sound of leaves rustling in the breeze. I credit his life as an artist for this acute attention.
I get to feel his awe whenever we go walking together. These simple walk shift something in us. A sense of calm and gratitude wash over us. The problems that seemed so big before now feels manageable. We are reminded that no matter what happens , the world keeps turning, trees keep growing, and life goes on. This perspective gives us peace and gratitude. I think this is why every single day of the Covid pandemic, we drove to Lake Winnebago and let our hearts melt into the water and sky, loved the waterfowl, and felt at one with the pace and joy of life.
Here are some ways you can tune into nature's gratitude symphony:
Take a "gratitude walk": Go for a short walk and try to notice things in nature you're grateful for.
Bring nature indoors: Keep a small plant in your room and appreciate its growth and resilience.
Stargaze: Spend a few minutes looking at the night sky, contemplating the vastness of the universe. Invite Granny. She loves this.
Nature photography: Use your phone to capture beautiful natural scenes that make you feel grateful. Post them on “Green Acres” or start your own shared album.
Weather appreciation: Instead of complaining about the weather, find something to appreciate in each type of day.
Connecting with nature doesn't require grand gestures or exotic locations. It can be as simple as feeling the sun on your face as you walk to a building, or watching a bird build its nest outside your window. The key is to pause and notice, to let yourself be filled with wonder and gratitude for the natural world.
By cultivating this connection with nature, you're not just boosting your gratitude – you're also giving yourself a valuable tool for managing stress and gaining perspective. Nature has a way of reminding us that our problems are often smaller than they seem, and that there's always something beautiful for which we can be grateful.
So, why not start today? Step outside, take a deep breath, and listen to nature's gratitude symphony. What notes of wonder and appreciation can you hear? Let the natural world remind you of all the reasons you have to be thankful. We love you! - Granny & Paw
Share snapshots of your favorite natural spots and the gratitude they evoke. Post on “Green Acres” Family Shared Album.