With a grateful heart: Gratitude Journaling
What are you grateful for? This is a question that we should ask ourselves everyday. In a world that is constantly moving, with so many things going wrong, we should all stop, take a moment and identify all the good things in our lives that we are grateful for. This is where gratitude journaling comes in.
Gratitude Journals
Over the years, studies have shown that developing an attitude of gratitude can lead to lower stress levels and better mental health. Writing them down also allows you to look back and see all the good things that have happened in your life.
The idea of writing down and journaling a list of what we are grateful for isn’t something new. Gratitude journals have been around for years. They make great tools for recording your blessings and heart thoughts.
Article: Benefits of Gratitude Journaling
Gratitude Journal with a faith perspective
St. Ignatius of Loyola in his spiritual exercises, developed something called the daily examen. It is a five step method of prayer, that helps you recall the days events. Among the 5 steps Giving Thanks for all the blessings we have received in one of them.
It is a beautiful method of prayer, and in addition to recording your blessings, you also identify where you have fallen short and pray for the grace to do better.
Article: The Examen of St. Ignatius
Gratitude journaling using the examen journal is a bit different to what most people identify as a gratitude journal. It walks you through the examen prayer and gives prompts for journaling the days events.
Click here if you’re interested in an Examen Journal.
Whichever method of gratitude journaling your choose, it is a great thing to add to your daily routine. As time goes by, you can reflect on where you were, how far you’ve come, and where you desire to go forward.
For more gratitude journaling & faith resources click here.
