Gratitude is a significant part in our inner work journey but most Importantly in life. Learning how to embody gratitude in daily life can help to change the way we view challenges, blessings and everything in between.
There are many ways to practice gratitude but I believe the most important thing when it comes to gratitude is to actually embody it. I’ll continue to delve into gratitude, how to embody it and why it matters.
What Is Gratitude ?
Gratitude is the feeling of being thankful and appreciative of what you receive and obtain in life, whether from others or through personal experiences.
Psychologists argue that there are different types of gratitude:
- Dispositional gratitude: Being naturally grateful as part of your personality.
- Gratitude as a mood: Experiencing gratitude at certain points throughout the day.
- Gratitude as an emotion: A temporary feeling, such as when receiving a gift.
All types of gratitude are effective, but the goal is to reach a state where gratitude becomes a way of life. When you practice gratitude, you start to see everything as working for you rather than against you.
Why Is Gratitude Important?
Gratitude is more than just a feel-good practice; it has the power to reshape our mindset, improve our well-being, and strengthen our relationships. Science even backs this up. Studies show that gratitude reduces stress, enhances emotional resilience, and boosts overall happiness.
Here are some key reasons why gratitude is essential:
- Shifts Your Perspective – When you focus on what you have rather than what you lack, life feels more abundant and fulfilling. Gratitude helps reframe challenges as opportunities.
- Improves Mental Health – Research has found that practicing gratitude can decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, making us more emotionally balanced.
- Strengthens Relationships – Expressing appreciation strengthens connections with family, friends, and even strangers. People love to feel valued.
- Increases Productivity & Motivation – When you’re grateful for your journey, you’re more motivated to keep going and achieve your goals.
- Attracts More Goodness – Whether you believe in the Law of Attraction or divine blessings, gratitude invites more positivity into your life.
Learning how to embody gratitude in daily life isn’t just about feeling thankful in the moment. It’s about creating a lifestyle that prioritises appreciation, growth, and trust in the journey.
Gratitude and God
God plays an essential part in gratitude. In my journey of gratitude the closer I get to Allah the more grateful I become as a person. and I’ve realised that how to embody gratitude in daily life starts with recognising His endless blessings.
Understanding that everything that happens on the earth has an ultimate purpose helps me to view negative things in a positive light.
”We did not create this heaven and earth and all that lies between them in vain. That is the fancy of those who denied the Truth.29 So woe from the Fire to all who deny the Truth.” [Quran 38:27]
Recognising Blessings in Everyday Life
Take a moment to reflect. Has something “bad” ever happened to you that later turned out to be a blessing? Maybe you didn’t get the job you wanted, but you ended up in a better place. Maybe you didn’t get into a school you hoped for, but it led you to opportunities that shaped who you are today.
When we look at the world, we realise there’s so much to be grateful for. If Allah willed, we could have been born in a war-torn country, struggling to survive. Instead, many of us have safety, education, and opportunities, things we often take for granted. And the only thing that’s stopping us from being in that situation is Qadr (the divine decree) and so there is so much to give thanks to god.
“And Allah has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing, and He made for you hearing and vision and hearts that perhaps you would be grateful.” – [Quran 16:78]
Strengthening Your Relationship With God increases Gratitude
The more I read and understand the Quran the more I realise there is so much to be grateful for not even just in terms of what I have in my own life but just God’s creation in general. “He is the One Who smoothed out the earth for you, so move about in its regions and eat from His provisions. And to Him is the resurrection ˹of all˺” (Quran 67:15) When reading this ayat it made me realise that we take things for granted when we don’t see them being made, like the sky and the stars as well as, the way the land on the earth is created for us to be able to walk on, dig and plant our crops on. These things we treat as just “normal” have actually been created in a divinely sophisticated way.
Just taking time in your day to be like “wow subhanallah the sun has risen” is a way of expressing gratitude and understand how God has created this earth and has blessed you in such a beautiful way.
(16:78): And Allah has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing, and He made for you hearing and vision and hearts [i.e., intellect] that perhaps you would be grateful.
This verse just goes to show how many things in our life that God has blessed us with that we take for granted.
A similar concept is mentioned in How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie (INCREDIBLE BOOK BY THE WAY I LOVE IT!!) He asks, if someone offered you millions of dollars for your eyesight, would you sell it? What about your legs? Your mother? ( you’re coocoo if you would) These questions remind us that we already possess priceless blessings—things money can’t buy.
How to Embody Gratitude In Daily Life
To embody gratitude, you must live in a state of abundance and trust in God’s plan.
That doesn’t mean you won’t feel sad or frustrated at times, we’re human. But it does mean you trust that everything is happening for a reason and working for your highest good.
“Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favour upon you so that you may be grateful.” Quran 5:6.
Read this blog post it mentions great ways to actively start practising gratitude as a muslim.
Daily Gratitude Through Faith
One of the best ways to embody gratitude is by remembering Allah in your daily life.
Here’s how:
- Say “SubhanAllah” when you see something amazing, acknowledging Allah’s creation.
- Say “Alhamdulillah” for both blessings and challenges, knowing there is wisdom behind everything.
- Trust in God’s plan, knowing that even setbacks have a divine purpose.
Building a strong relationship with Allah makes it easier to maintain gratitude, no matter what happens in life. So do your best to improve your relationship with him and surely everything in life will start to become easier for you In sha Allah.
Gratitude Practices to Help You Embody it Daily
If you’re new to gratitude or looking for ways to deepen your practice, here are some simple yet effective methods:
- Journaling 3 things you’re grateful for
- This can be in the morning or the night time. This is a great way to start as this helps you shift focus from what’s missing to what’s already abundant in your life.
- Gratitude Meditation
- Take time to sit in stillness and reflect on your blessings. This simple practice can make you feel more present and appreciative. (If you struggle with self compassion, mySelf-compassion guide may help!)
- Prayer
- Whenever something happens, good or bad, take a moment to thank Allah. Ask for guidance in navigating challenges with wisdom. It’s also great to just give thanks to God for what’s happening in your current life when it feels like nothing is really happening
- Zikr (Remembrance of God)
- Saying “Alhamdulillah” while reflecting on your blessings is one of the most beautiful ways to practice gratitude. Not only does it raise your vibration, but it also earns you rewards.
And ˹remember˺ when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe.’”[ Quran 14:7]
A win is a Win!
- Read the Quran
- The more you read and reflect on the Quran, the more you realise there’s so much to be grateful for.
- Read How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.
- I know I mentioned this book earlier on but honestly it’s one of my favourites. It’s just so beautifully put. (As always, take what aligns with your values!)
Summary
By now, I hope you have a clearer understanding of why gratitude is so important, how it helps on your journey, and how to start practicing it daily.
If you ever need guidance, know that you’re not alone.. If you ever need help taking the first steps on your journey know that you are not alone and don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d love to help
Sending you all love and blessings on your journey. 💕
For more on self-love and personal growth, check out my post: Girl, Get Up and Love Yourself.