We hear so much about the importance of gratitude and being thankful, especially this time of year. But what does that mean? Why is it important? How do you do it, particularly if you are feeling really down?

Being thankful or grateful means appreciation. It is important because it shifts your energy, your mind set into abundance and out of lack. It changes your focus from what you feel you don’t have and into basking in what you do have, which brings more abundance to you. It makes you feel better. Get it?

Sure, we all have at least a few things to appreciate in our lives. You can may even make list and read it daily. But how’s that working for you? You can’t “think” yourself into appreciation or gratitude. You must “feel” it. You can read lists all day long but then it becomes like one of those words you say over and over that no longer even sounds like a word. It becomes autopilot. It stays in your head and doesn’t translate into the physical.

Try this: First, notice how you feel right now. Are you light? Heavy? Stressed? Peaceful? Then, think of one or two things in your life that generate a feeling of warmth, love, comfort, or that puts a smile on your face. It could be a friend, loved one, child, it could be a pet, a recent experience, or even your favorite pair of shoes. Keep it simple. Think of this right now.

Next, check in with your body. Where do you feel it? In your heart center? Your solar plexus? What does it feel like? Warm? Tingly? Excitement? Peaceful? Comforting? Does it feel light? Smooth? Does it have movement? Are you smiling?

Connect with the physicality of the feeling. Give it form through words. Bask in this for a moment. Now notice how you feel after doing this. Has your energy changed? Is your mood different, even slightly? I bet it’s lighter, yes?

This is why appreciation/gratitude/thankfulness is beneficial. It literally changes you. The more loving, peaceful, warm and light you feel, the more you attract experiences and people that bring you more of those feelings. Bottom line: the better you feel!

So get the gratitude into your body and out of your mind. You can’t think yourself grateful. You must FEEL it. Then it catapults you into a lovely space which can expand into more of the same. Oh joy!

Happy Thanksgiving!