Today’s Excerpt:

What is something you’re grateful for but hardly notice because you’re so used to it?

The Erasing Game

Sometimes you get so used to life that you can’t feel what’s good anymore. Here’s a game to help you remember.

1. Think of an object that you enjoy. It could be anything — a toy, a game, a snack, a favorite place. You can even get the object to have in front of you if you want to.
2. Close your eyes and think about the object. Picture everything you enjoy most about it and imagine as many details as you can. Do this for about 5 deep breaths.
3. Erase the object in your mind and pretend like it is gone. Imagine you no longer have that thing. Close your eyes again and notice what it feels like inside, to no longer have the object anymore. Can you erase the object 100% in your mind’s eye?
4. Notice your feelings for 5 deep breaths. What does it feel like?
5. Think about the object again, remembering everything about the object that brings you joy.

This practice, called negative visualization by a group of ancient philosophers called the Stoics, is a way to feel gratitude — and to remember what it feels like to appreciate things we love.