The Sacred Art of Noticing

contemplative practice examen gratitude holiday season meditation reflection spiritual direction thanksgiving wisdom wisdom tree wednesday Nov 26, 2025

My spiritual director once gave me valuable advice: begin keeping a gratitude journal and make thankfulness a part of my everyday routine.

She encouraged me to approach gratitude as an Examen, so each evening I pause to jot down things I'm thankful for that day.

At first, I was worried that I’d treat it like a checklist. Something I had to do and something I had to do correctly. I also wondered if I was forcing myself to feel gratitude. What if I had a crappy day and I wasn’t really grateful for anything?

Despite my initial reservations, I thought I’d give it a try. I remembered her conversation during the session and I realized she was simply asking me to notice the big or little things which brought me joy.

Some of the small gifts that found me that day:
an orange sunset,
a hug from my child,
a healthy morning,
a red tree dancing in the wind,
a cat settling into my lap,
a kiss from my husband.

At the end of the week, I review my entries and offer a prayer of thanks.

And I found, even on the worst days, that I still managed to find something I was grateful for.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reminded again that gratitude isn’t about manufacturing positivity. It’s about paying attention. Noticing the small wisdoms. Letting the ordinary become holy.

~Katie Rea, WTC Writing Coach

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