Gratitude lists have become synonymous with wellness. Take a peek on the internet for less than five seconds, google wellness advice, and you may be inundated with people’s assertions that if you just feel grateful, you’ll feel better. And to their defense, this is true! Scientifically, gratitude does have a positive effect on the person experiencing it. In one study conducted by Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, “After 10 weeks, those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better about their lives. Surprisingly, they also exercised more and had fewer visits to physicians than those who focused on sources of aggravation.” And while studies do not necessarily prove causation, most of the studies published about the effects of gratitude show an association between gratitude and wellbeing.
So there is no doubt that gratitude is an incredible tool. And while it’s something we highly value at KIM+ONO, we also recognize that it can sometimes be hard to muster gratitude when life is so busy and overwhelming. (Which in turn becomes an added stress that gratitude isn’t more accessible, making gratitude even more important in your daily wellness routine!) But sometimes, focusing on the smallest, most unexpected places can generate the deepest feelings of gratitude. Most of the time, those small, unexpected places are tied to our senses, not so much our intellectualizing. So today in the journal, before the busyness of the holidays descends on us, we’re listing five unexpected places to find everyday gratitude so you can practice being well in those small moments. Once you start with those small moments, you may find your gratitude grows your well being each and every day.
While the idea of finding gratitude or a sense of peace in your first sip of coffee isn’t a new one, it may feel unexpected if you slow down those first moments of the day and truly stay present. Slip into your favorite kimono style, pour your favorite cup, sit in your favorite chair and allow the moment to fill you up. Before you rush off to what the world has in store for you that day, find a bit of gratitude in even being able to sit for a moment and wake up one moment at a time. One of our favorite quotes is from Johnny Cash, who when asked his definition of paradise, responded, “This morning. With her. Having coffee.”
Making food, especially if you’re making it for a family three times a day, can take on qualities of duty, responsibility, and boredom day after day. But find a way to bring a little luxuriousness into those meal prepping moments and begin to feel the gratitude that comes with preparing food for you and the ones you love. Elevate your meal prep moment by slipping into kimono fashion that makes you feel as beautiful as you are, and then pour your love into the food you’re making. Feel the sense of abundance that comes from sharing food with others. Enjoy tasting your creation as you go. Connect with the tenderness that comes from preparing a child’s meal. Find the little points of gratitude that fill you up as you prepare something as ordinary as a meal.
Sometimes, you don’t need to do more, you just need to be still. Find those moments and seek them out. Perhaps you’re slipping into your olive green kimono cardigan in the morning and you stop to really let yourself get quiet. Find gratitude in those moments of quiet, and relish the opportunity for time to stand still. Take a minute to be grateful for the way doing nothing can feel when you’re usually stretched thin.
Tis the season for candles! We love the ritual of lighting a candle. It ushers in a sense of intention, devotion, and peace. And it’s a great way to ground yourself in gratitude. Feel the warmth from the candle, let the glowing light give you a sense of calm and comfort, and take note of how beautiful it is to create a little light in the darkness of the fall and winter. Take your ritual to the next level by wearing your favorite kimono fashion and noting a grateful thought for each candle you light. You can devote your thoughts to the gratitude of health, of your relationships, or even just to the moment you’re in — gratitude for being right here, right now. As we go deeper into the winter and hibernation season, bring a little bit of gratitude to the front of your mind each time you light a candle for a luxurious moment of self care.
Photo by Maria Del Rio
Each one of our kimono styles was designed with you in mind, and was meant to feel like you’re wrapped up in a cloud. Whether you’re donning a pink kimono robe or a floral kimono cardigan, feel the softness of silk against your skin and take it as a reminder to be grateful for this moment. Let the gentle pink kimono robe be a subtle reminder of all the things supporting, loving, and caring for you in your life. And let every kimono style be self care you can wear — imbuing each moment with the intention and luxuriousness of focusing on your well being, each and every day.
Where are the unexpected places you find everyday gratitude, lovely? Is it when you’re with your family or friends? Do you feel the most gratitude during a shared meal or a singular moment of solitude? Tell us how and what makes you feel grateful below in the comments!
And don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @kimandono_ and #swaythisway so we can celebrate you and say thank you for the love and support you’ve shown our small family business over the years, lovely. We are, as ever, grateful for you!
