Crafting Gratitude

We live in a fast-paced world where we are pestered from all sides with siren calls to constantly strive for something more, something better, something new, rather than find ways to stay grateful for the abundance and blessings already present in our own lives. In Crafting Gratitude, Rev. Maggie Oman Shannon believes that crafting for us and those we love can be used as a meditative practice to appreciate the incredible, overflowing richness of life. Each meditative craft, from novice to expert, is infused with stories like how Gratitude Bundles can represent prosperity and physical health, Spirit Houses from Southeast Asia can be a symbol of a happy home, a Values Bracelet can help you reinforce your best professional traits, or Flower Mandalas can be an affirmation of nature. With other crafts involving aromatherapy, journaling, dream catchers, and a variety of household items, anyone can invigorate their own lives with Crafting Gratitude for family, health, prosperity, the Divine, and much more. Accompanied by a carefully curated list of recommended reading, helpful websites, and how-to guides, these forty practices will resonate with and prompt you to begin, or continue, exploring gratitude.

Learn the secrets of the “whys,” “whens,” and “how-tos” of thank-you note writing. The Art of Thank You will motivate you—or perhaps someone you know who could use a little encouragement—to pick up a pen and take the time to express gratitude. Interspersing straightforward guidelines with funny, inspiring anecdotes and examples by such luminaries as Abraham Lincoln and Ernest Hemingway, the author’s practical tips for newlyweds, business people, and children make this handy little book an indispensable resource.

A month-by-month guide to fostering an attitude of gratitude as a family Gratitude is a key component of happiness and mindfulness. But not only for adults. Children benefit greatly from learning, understanding and appreciating gratefulness. An interactive journal and activity book for parents and youngsters to enjoy together, A Year of Gratitude is the perfect tool for building a mindful foundation that will last a lifetime. Including 52 step-by-step activities with full-color photos, this book offers strategies for cultivating gratitude and strengthening parent-child bonds every week of the year. Discover a variety of fun, family-oriented projects and activities including Valentines Day Cookies, Family Gratitude Jars, DIY Thank You Cards, Nature Appreciation Walks, and much more!

Todd Parr's beloved Thanksgiving classic celebrating all of the things there are to be grateful for in a kid's life is now a board book! I am thankful for music because it makes me want to dance.I am thankful for my feet because they help me run and play. I am thankful for kisses because they make me feel loved. The perfect book to treasure and share around the holidays and throughout the year is now available as a board book! Todd Parr's bestselling books have celebrated Valentine's Day, Earth Day, and Halloween, teaching kids about unconditional love, respecting the earth, and facing fears, all with his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity. The Thankful Book celebrates all the little things children can give thanks for. From everyday activities like reading and bathtime to big family meals together and special alone time between parent and child, Todd inspires readers to remember all of life's special moments.

As our world has become increasingly dependent on technology, and our Western societies have become woefully “Crackberried”— to use the title of a recent documentary on the emotional and social pitfalls of our too-wired ways—an intriguing phenomenon is occurring: There is an increasing amount of interest in returning to some of the simpler arts that were neglected or left behind with the onslaught of technology. Artisans and everyday crafters are finding a renewed satisfaction in making something with their own hands; some are even communicating about the inherent physical- and mental-health benefits found in handwork—and, even more than that, they are framing their handwork as meditation or spiritual practice. In today’s sophisticated and pluralistic society, people are more aware than ever that spiritual practice can be defined more expansively—and the popularity of books focusing on alternative spiritual practices demonstrate that readers are hungry for new (or ancient) ways of enhancing their inner lives. In Crafting Calm the author will explore these new forms of creative spiritual practice and the benefits they provide. The format of With Shannon's book will itself be creative, a rich “potpourri approach” that weaves together interviews, historical facts, projects for readers to do themselves, quotations, and suggested resources. Crafting Calm will serve as an inspirational resource guide to a broad assortment of spiritual practices gathered from the global arts-and-crafts communities, as well as from people who don’t consider themselves artists but who have adopted creatively expressive forms of spiritual practice. While there have been a few books published focusing on a particular form of creative spiritual practice (Skylight Paths, for example, has published books on beading as a spiritual practice; painting as a spiritual practice; and using clay as a spiritual practice), no one has yet explored the breadth of possibilities for creative spiritual practices contained in Crafting Calm.

“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.” –Vincent Van Gogh As the future unfolds before us, it seems people are getting busier, more distracted, and less connected to the physical and spiritual world. This can be especially problematic for our relationships, as love is something that just does not magically exist on its own. Love must be cultured, tended, and cared for as if it were a special garden unlike any other. Whether you desire to foster, encourage remembrance, or express gratitude for the love you feel toward the known and unknown in your life, it can be done through the practice of mindfulness and crafting. Crafting Love is filled with thematic chapters meant to inspire your own journey in your expression of love, whether you build an “I Love You…” notebook for your partner, Anytime Valentines for your friends and mentors, a Conversation Starter Table Cloth for your family, Portable Place Shrines for natural places and animals, an “I Am” Affirmation Mandala for yourself, or a Rhythm Painting for the Divine. With the help of a few uplifting friends along the way, Maggie Oman Shannon will help launch your exploration for your love of materials, love of the process, and love of everything and everyone around you through creating transcendent, one-of-a-kind projects with your own hands and heart.

Unlock the Key to a More Fulfilling Life: The Power of Gratitude Are you seeking a path to true fulfillment and a life overflowing with positivity? Look no further than "The Power of Gratitude: Cultivating Thankfulness for a More Fulfilling Life." Dive into the transformative pages of this extraordinary book and embark on a journey that will reshape your perspective, uplift your spirit, and enrich your daily experiences. Discover the Science Behind Gratitude: Delve into the fascinating world of scientific research that unveils the profound impact of gratitude on your brain and body. Uncover the neural pathways that gratitude activates, enhancing your overall well-being. From improved mental health and resilience to stress to better physical health and immune system functioning, the scientific evidence is clear—gratitude is a game-changer. Embrace Happiness and Life Satisfaction: What if you could harness the power to boost your happiness and life satisfaction? In "The Power of Gratitude," explore the strong link between gratitude and happiness. Witness how the simple act of appreciating life's blessings can lead to a profound shift in your overall outlook. Say goodbye to the pursuit of materialistic gains and open your heart to a more content and joyful existence. Cultivate Resilience Through Adversity: Life's challenges are inevitable, but your response to them can transform your experience. Learn how gratitude becomes your armor in the face of adversity. Through inspiring stories of resilience and practical techniques, discover how gratitude enables you to navigate difficult situations with newfound strength and perspective. From Theory to Action: Gratitude in Practice: "The Power of Gratitude" goes beyond theory—it equips you with a toolkit of practical gratitude practices. From gratitude journaling that rewires your thought patterns to mindfulness exercises that enhance your awareness, you'll discover how to infuse every moment with appreciation. Expressing gratitude to others and creating gratitude rituals become second nature, elevating your daily routines into sources of joy. Overcome Obstacles and Foster Positivity: Uncover strategies to overcome common obstacles that hinder your journey toward gratitude. Break free from negativity bias and skepticism as you learn how to sustain your gratitude practice. Say goodbye to resistance and hello to a life brimming with positivity, connection, and personal growth. Journey Across Cultures and Traditions: Dive into the rich tapestry of gratitude practices from diverse cultures and traditions. Explore how Native American cultures revere the earth's resources, and embrace the mindfulness-infused gratitude of Buddhism. Expand your horizons, learn from diverse perspectives, and cultivate a deep sense of interconnectedness that transcends boundaries. "The Power of Gratitude: Cultivating Thankfulness for a More Fulfilling Life" is not just a book—it's a transformational guide that empowers you to embrace gratitude as a way of life. Whether you're seeking happiness, improved well-being, or a stronger connection with others, this book holds the key to unlocking a more fulfilling, enriched existence. Embark on this journey today and awaken the immense power of gratitude within you.