Gratitude journaling is a modern practice with ancient roots in the human desire to express gratitude. As we approach Thanksgiving, reflecting on its history can deepen the meaning of a journaling ritual. When paired with the calming and grounding effects of incense, this practice transforms into a powerful homage to gratitude’s enduring importance.
Thanksgiving originated in the early 17th century as a harvest celebration. The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was a shared feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans, marking a time of unity and thankfulness for the harvest and survival through difficult times. Over the years, the holiday evolved into a broader celebration of gratitude for family, abundance, and the blessings of life.
President Abraham Lincoln officially proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, encouraging Americans to reflect on their blessings even amid the Civil War. This sentiment of gratitude during adversity mirrors the essence of gratitude journaling: focusing on the positive despite life’s challenges.
How Gratitude Journaling Embodies the Spirit of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving reminds us of the importance of acknowledging the good in our lives, a sentiment that gratitude journaling echoes on a more personal scale. Writing about what we’re thankful for helps us cultivate the mindfulness and appreciation that Thanksgiving symbolizes.
Much like the Pilgrims and Native Americans gave thanks for the harvest, gratitude journaling helps us “harvest” moments of joy and appreciation, creating a daily tradition of gratitude. It is a way to carry the spirit of Thanksgiving beyond the holiday, turning it into a year-round practice.
Incorporating Incense into Gratitude Journaling
Adding incense to your gratitude journaling practice enhances its reflective nature, making it feel like a sacred ritual. Incense has been used for centuries in spiritual and meditative practices, offering purification and creating a calming environment. This connection to ancient rituals pairs beautifully with the historical roots of Thanksgiving.
Here’s how to incorporate incense into your journaling routine:
- Choose a Gratitude-Enhancing Scent: Scents like sandalwood, acronychia wood, or cedarwood evoke warmth and grounding, aligning with the themes of Thanksgiving and gratitude.
- Set a Sacred Space: Light the incense before journaling to signify the start of your reflective practice. The aromatic smoke creates a tranquil environment for mindfulness.
- Write with Intention: Use prompts like “What am I most grateful for today?” or “What lesson have I learned this year?” to connect with the spirit of Thanksgiving.
In traditional Taoism practice heavily using incense, acronychia wood is one of the go-to options as it is a sacred ingredient, commonly used as a communication tool with spirits and heaven. The woody scent usually has a scent of herbs that further helps calm the mind and body, pushing the consciousness into the flow state.
Other traditional woody options including sandalwood and cedarwood, and for someone preferring floral, osmanthus and jasmine are great options to try out. At INCENZO, we have incense sticks made with 100% natural ingredients following traditional Chinese incense recipes ranging across woody and floral scents. Pick your journaling companion either by preferred scent or by an inspiring name, and start adding incense into your gratitude journaling routine!
INCENZO’s Incense Stick Collection
Thanksgiving and gratitude journaling share a common goal: to acknowledge and celebrate life’s blessings. By incorporating the soothing presence of incense, you can deepen this reflective practice, honoring the traditions of gratitude from both history and your own life. Let this ritual remind you that gratitude isn’t just a holiday sentiment — it’s a way of life.