Photo by Flickr user Lunauna

In the same way our bodies relax when we’re laughing, our spirits rise when we are appreciating what we have.

In today’s meditation I suggest you keep your eyes open after you get in your meditation posture. Scan the room and notice items that you regularly pass by without even a thought. Don’t forget to pay attention to the construction of the room - the walls, ceiling, light fixtures, windows. Take your time with each object. I find that just doing this part of the exercise is very relaxing.

Now chose one thing you see. Don’t think about it. Pick something you feel drawn to. Now observe it more carefully. Take in the colors, textures or perhaps sounds. Examine it to find out something about it that you’ve never noticed before.

With closed eyes, now feel your appreciation for the object you’ve chosen - for its function, for its beauty, whatever draws you to it. Feel the gratitude you have for this item. Allow this feeling to spread to other things you enjoy and benefit from in your life.

Notice where you feel the gratitude: is it around your heart, in your mind, in your gut? Allow the feeling to spread throughout your whole body. Now meditate on the feeling of being grateful.

As a mental health professional, an owner of a fitness studio, a writer and a wife, mother and grandmother, I have found meditation to be helpful in every aspect of my life. To find out about my meditation classes this fall, contact me at susanmmorales@yahoo.com or check out my websites: susanscottmorales.com and bodiesinbalancefitness.com