How to Create a Mind Centered Around Gratitude

Written by Amanda Henson, Owner, Om Yoga – November 2025

Brene Brown said, “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness- it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.”

It’s so true. We can be grateful for every day, little things, if we choose to be. And that is so much better than focusing on the negativity all around us.

If you are not sure how to practice gratitude, here are a few simple ways to get started.

1. Pause. Just pause and breathe for a moment. A couple deep breaths in and out can calm your nervous system and allow your mind to be still and more clear. We never have to think about breathing, so take a moment and do just that. Deep breath in. Deep breath out. Repeat for 1 minute.

2. Pray or meditate. After you’ve settled mind, maybe just say “thank you.” It can be as simple as “thank you for this day.” Each day is a gift and when we truly believe that and act in such a way, we pull our shoulders back and walk around grateful.

3. A journal. Writing down your thoughts is very therapeutic and beneficial for your mind. Maybe keep a notebook by your bed, in your car, or somewhere close to where you sit throughout the day. Use your phone if you want, but there is something beautiful about picking up your pen or pencil. Date your entries, find a cadence (daily, weekly) that works for you, and try to be consistent (“try” is the key. We all fail, it’s ok.). Don’t worry about perfection, just write. Write down things like,

   1. “Today I am grateful for…"

   2. “This made me smile this week…"

c. “I was inspired by…."

d. “My main focus for tomorrow will be…"

4. Finally, reflection. Allow your thoughts and notes to sink in for a bit. Even in hard times, we can find the good, right? You know the saying, “every day may not be good, but there is good in every day”? It’s so true. If you’re willing to be optimistic and find that joy, there is always something to be grateful for.

I hope and pray that if you read these words and find a gratitude practice that works for you, you would feel a sense of peace and grace, and then pass that on to others who need it just as much as you & I do.

About Om Yoga

Om Yoga is Fort Mill’s hometown yoga studio, located in the heart of Baxter Village. Since 2011, Om Yoga has offered a variety of class styles to suit the needs of the community. It’s an incredibly special place to practice, as it is filled with experienced yoga teachers with a passion for sharing the tranquility, sense of community, and joy that yoga brings. Om Yoga has a wide variety of classes to suit beginners and advanced students. Class styles include Power, Hot, Gentle, Slow Flow, Deep Stretch, Flow to Stretch, Rocket, Kids (ages 4-8), and a variety of workshops every month! Classes start as early as 6am and as late as 7:20pm. Visit omyogasc.com to learn more.

About the Author

Amanda Henson is the owner of Om Yoga. She started practicing yoga in 2012 but her passion for yoga grew during prenatal yoga classes in 2015. She was able to feel and see the effects of yoga during a time of change and wanted to experience those effects post pregnancy too. She got her 200-hour teaching certificate in 2018, started teaching at Om Yoga and at her corporate office, and became owner of Om Yoga studio in 2022. A Fort Mill native, Amanda has a heart for this community and helping others through yoga. It was life changing for her, and she aims to share that with others.