Gratitude is the practice of being thankful, appreciating the positives in life while allowing space for all emotions, including the negative ones. Aisha Kaur, an expat in Kuwait, learned about mindful gratitude from Magda Snowden, a mental agility expert. Kaur had been practicing toxic positivity, constantly forcing herself to stay positive, which led to internal conflict and emotional numbness. Through mindful gratitude, Kaur learned to accept her emotions, both positive and challenging, without rushing to fix them with false positivity.
Toxic positivity dismisses or denies negative emotions, leading individuals to avoid addressing the root causes of their challenges. This can result in mental health issues like burnout, dissatisfaction, and depression. Mindful gratitude, on the other hand, promotes emotional honesty and self-compassion, allowing individuals to appreciate the present while moving forward with purpose. By practicing dual gratitude journaling, individuals can reframe challenges as opportunities for growth without denying the emotional weight they carry.
The impact of mindful gratitude is seen in Kaur’s increased sense of self-compassion and resilience. She has learned to accept her imperfections and challenges, focusing on both the positives and tough moments. This balance has helped her bounce back from setbacks with more clarity and less self-judgment. Gratitude does not prevent individuals from striving for improvement; it creates a positive foundation for taking action from a place of appreciation rather than lack.
In the workplace, fostering a culture of gratitude can create psychological safety and support among team members. Leaders who encourage gratitude help teams navigate challenges without falling into the trap of toxic positivity. Kaur found that practicing mindful gratitude improved her interactions with colleagues, creating a culture of trust and authenticity. Gratitude, when practiced consistently, builds resilience, reduces stress, and fosters a growth-oriented mindset.
To practice gratitude mindfully, individuals can start by acknowledging all emotions, practicing non-judgment, cultivating present awareness, reframing difficulties, and considering gratitude as a practice rather than an obligation. By allowing themselves to experience and process all emotions, individuals can develop emotional resilience and genuine gratitude. Mindful gratitude helps individuals appreciate challenges as learning opportunities without bypassing the struggle, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life overall.
