In this episode of Dismantling Diet Culture: Fuck Being Calladita, I, Dr. Hortencia Jimenez, dive deep into the transformative power of gratitude. Let’s journey together as we explore what gratitude means, how we can cultivate it daily, and its profound connection to our ancestors and the natural world.
What is Gratitude?
Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and appreciating the good things in our lives. At its core, it requires awareness, recognition, and acknowledgment. We cannot truly give gratitude if we’re in a negative state of mind or don’t see the blessings around us. It’s not uncommon to think, “What the fuck am I grateful for? I’m struggling,” especially when life is difficult. But it’s precisely during these tough times that practicing gratitude can offer the most profound shifts in our energy and mindset.
Cultivating Daily Gratitude: Simple Acts, Big Impact
Gratitude can be as simple as waking up in the morning and thanking the creator, the ancestors, or the spirits for another day of life. It’s recognizing the small blessings, whether it’s the ability to breathe, having food and shelter, or feeling safe. Often, we take these basic things for granted.
For instance, those of us without disabilities may overlook the simple fact that we can perform daily activities with ease. By recognizing and valuing these small blessings, we expand our energetic level, vibrate higher, and attract more positivity into our lives.
One way I practice daily gratitude is through my words. I vocalize my appreciation for the listeners of my podcast. This practice isn’t glorious; it’s the little things that make a substantial difference. For example, dedicating an episode to express my thanks to the listeners for their support and reviews because, without them, this podcast wouldn’t be possible.
Ancestral and Indigenous Wisdom of Gratitude
Connecting gratitude with ancestral and indigenous wisdom has a special place in my heart. My background is Huichol, and over the years, I’ve been diving deeper into my indigeneity. An essential part of indigenous wisdom is understanding our deep connection and relationship to the land, Mother Earth, community, and all living things around us.
Gratitude from an indigenous perspective involves recognizing and respecting our interconnection with natural elements—trees, flowers, plants, and animals. It’s about reciprocity: giving back to the creator, the land, and the community.
To express this gratitude, I often reflect on how I give back to Mother Earth. Whether it’s through simple actions like recycling or more involved practices such as composting, it’s about being mindful and intentional in our relationship with the planet.
Rituals and Offerings: Personal Practices of Gratitude
Practicing gratitude doesn’t need to be complicated. It can start with a daily ritual. For instance, when I wake up, I give thanks for another day of life and ask what teachings the day holds for me. Journaling, prayer, and other personal routines can also serve as powerful vehicles for gratitude.
Our offerings don’t have to be material; they can be simple actions like watering a plant, singing or slowing down to be more present. These small acts cultivate a mindful and harmonious relationship with the world around us.
Living in Harmony with Nature
A crucial aspect of gratitude is living in harmony with nature. This involves simple practices like recycling or being mindful of our consumption and waste. If you have a garden, you might plant seasonally or even have a small pot of herbs if space is limited. These practices deepen our connection to the land and remind us of our role as stewards of the Earth.
Honoring Our Ancestors
Another profound way to practice gratitude is by honoring our ancestors and acknowledging the sacrifices they made for us to be here today. This involvement doesn’t have to be limited to blood ancestors. We can connect with the original stewards of the lands we inhabit and the collective ancestors of social justice movements.
Recognizing the resilience and wisdom of our predecessors allows us to continue their legacy and ensures that future generations will honor us in return.
Gratitude in Difficult Times
Perhaps the most challenging yet vital practice is giving gratitude during difficult times. When faced with pain, rejection, or loss, finding the lesson or teaching in the experience can be a form of gratitude. It’s in these moments that practicing gratitude can provide strength and perspective, helping us through tough times.
Practicing gratitude can transform our lives by shifting our mindset, enhancing our connections with others, and deepening our relationship with the Earth and our ancestors. I am immensely grateful for your existence and for everything you’re doing to make this world a better place. Keep showing up, keep practicing gratitude, and watch as your life transforms in beautiful and unexpected ways.
Muchísimas gracias for joining me. I’ll see you in the next episode of Dismantling Diet Culture: Fuck Being Calladita.
