They are not extraordinary looking, they're not precious jewels, but those rocks are special to us because we see something special in each rock
We have a similar collection, our “earthly treasures,” though we have extended it past rocks and now include dead bugs, shells, and the like.
Our attitudes are like the lens through which we see and experience the world, and I think the gratitude rocks helps redirect our thoughts towards the things that are good and sweet in our lives so we notice them more.
There is good science behind this, too. It is a difficult thing for me at times, but practicing gratitude does help.
Hi, lilrut, thanks for your comment. Haha, dead bugs! What kinds have your collected? My kids would probably like to collect those too, but I'm not sure I'd be so keen. 😜
I didn't use to believe in "positive thinking" but the science convinced me. Apparently, just thinking thoughts will fire the same neurons as acting the thought out, so when we practice being appreciative, we are literally resculpting our brain and it becomes easier and easier to notice good things.
It was really difficult for me to start noticing positive things too. Before the gratitude rock, the spilt sauce on the table or the macaroni on the floor is what flies out at me. I would notice all the things that annoy me and that didn't make me a very happy person.
This is where the gratitude rock really helped. It keeps reminding me to practice noticing the good things and I'd start noticing little things, like wow, my son went to take his shower at the time he promised! Or I'm glad we live close to a nice library. It all adds up to make me feel much happier and more appreciative for the people in my life and the environment I am in.
We have a dead moth, a bumble bee, and some shiny green beetle whose kind I am unfamiliar with.
I get stuck here often. I have tried slips of paper and a journal, but the habit never stuck. Perhaps a rock...
Cheers.
Please give the gratitude rock a try! I think it's working for me because it's so simple - I just keep the rock in my pocket. I'd love to hear if it works for you too....