Life
If You're Striving To Be A More Compassionate And Grateful Person, Check Out These 21 Highly Reviewed Things On Amazon
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With every situation or person, there's a chance to focus on the positive instead of the negative. Take the internet, for example. You could focus on the fact that most YouTube comments sections are a digital mosh pit, or you could note that the internet allows anyone to learn about the healing power of gratitude and compassion. It's all about perspective, and if you're looking to realign yours, you've come to the right place.
For me, the journey to becoming a more compassionate and grateful person started with mindfulness meditation. I began meditating in college to overcome the anxieties of freshman year: namely finding myself seven hours away from everyone I knew in the town of More-Cows-Than-People, Pennsylvania. After a few weeks of meditation, however, I noticed my brain starting to change. I could suddenly connect with my roommate, who I'd previously had nothing in common with. The smallest things, like the farm next to my campus and the fact that the dining hall had my favorite cereal, made me feel grateful.
Naturally, I started looking for an explanation. I found that, according to studies, meditation increases grey matter in the brain, which leads to more compassionate thoughts and a better outlook on life overall. After that, I was hooked. I spent all my free time reading the best books to cultivate a positive outlook and researched all I could about surprisingly genius products that promote mindfulness. Years later, I'm still doing all the research I can, but I'm happier than I've ever been and anxious to share what I've learned. Here are a few of the most effective tools and sources I've found so far.
2. The First Fitness Tracker That Helps You Become More Mindful
Spire Stone, $109, Amazon
Even though it tracks your steps, activity levels, and calories, the Spire Stone is unlike any other fitness tracker. That's because it also records your breathing and knows when you're feeling stressed or tense. It then sends a reminder to take a deep breath, and even has visual exercises and guided meditations you can do to unwind. It's washer-resistant, charges wirelessly, and has a battery that lasts up to ten days.
3. This Documentary That Explores The Power And Intuitive Intelligence Of The Heart
The Power of the Heart, $5-$15, Amazon
This seemingly unsuspecting documentary had me crying like a baby, but it elicited the kind of body-encompassing emotion that creates a true shift in consciousness. The Power of the Heart was directed by Drew Heriot (The director of The Secret) and features amazing teachers and visionaries like Eckhart Tolle, Maya Angelou, Deepak Chopra, and Immaculée Ilibagiza. It explores the astonishing power and intelligence of the heart, and demonstrates how those who are willing to move past judgments and into intuition and love can experience deep forgiveness, joy, and meaning in their lives. It's available for rental or purchase on Amazon, and can be watched for free with a Gaia subscription.
4.These Essential Oils That Help You Reach A Calm State Of Mind
Plant Therapy Relax Synergy Roll-On, $8, Amazon
Aromatherapy is the practice of inhaling plant-derived scents that are thought to interact with the brain, creating beneficial physiological effects. Plant Therapy Relax Synergy has therapeutic-grade essential oils to promote relaxation, like lavender, marjoram, and Roman chamomile. It's blended into a base of coconut oil, so it's easy to apply and gentle on the skin. Reviewers say it actually puts them in a calm state of mind, and is a great addition to any meditation practice — or an easy way to relax yourself in the midst of road rage.
5. This Guided One-Minute Gratitude Journal That Suits Your Busy Life
The One-Minute Gratitude Journal, $6, Amazon
If you feel like you're too busy to keep up with a practice, the One-Minute Gratitude Journal has you covered. It's a number one best seller in its category because it offers undated flexibility and quick exercises that you can do anywhere. In addition to a half-page daily writing prompt, it's also got uplifting quotes and blank areas where you can draw something beautiful to unwind.
6. This Genius Card Game That Cultivates Compassion In The Real World
Sneaky Cards Card Game, $8, Amazon
This genius game is called Sneaky Cards, and it invites you to become a "secret agent of joy" by spreading happiness and good deeds to an unsuspecting public. Each card features an objective, like "buy someone coffee," "bake something for a friend," or "take a selfie with a stranger." After the job is completed, you then pass the card on, and the receiver becomes part of the game, too. You can even track the cards online to see how far they've gotten.
7. These 9 DIY Experiments That Prove The Law Of Attraction Is Real
If you're into the law of attraction, E-Squared is the must-read that picks up right where The Secret left off. Pam Grout, one of the most refreshing and likable authors I've ever read, outlines nine do-it-yourself experiments that prove to you once and for all that you do actually create your own reality. Not only are the experiments simple and inexpensive, but they help extinguish all those doubts in your head, so you can start manifesting like a pro.
8. This "Bed Of Nails" Mat That Works Like Acupuncture
ProSource Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set, $20, Amazon
Reviewers say that the ProSource acupressure mat is an extremely helpful tool when it comes to inducing a meditative state. It also eases back and neck pain, lowers stress levels, and helps with sleep disorders. Here's how it works: thousands of tiny spikes activate pressure points in the back and neck, which then stimulate nerves, improve circulation, and cause your body to release endorphins, much like acupuncture. This one comes in six colors and has an included foam neck bolster.
9. Go From A State Of Fear To A State Of Faith With This Uplifting Spiritual Book
The Universe Has Your Back, $12, Amazon
If you're looking for happiness, security, and clear direction, this is the book for you. The Universe Has Your Back is written by best-selling author Gabrielle Bernstein, who, through lessons and stories, teaches readers how to switch from a state of fear to a state of faith. Oprah Winfrey calls Bernstein “a new thought leader," and reviewers say this book is filled with "fresh and uplifting spiritual perspectives we can all use to become more loving and feel more loved."
10. This Highly Reviewed Zen Coloring Book For Active Meditation
Color Me Calm, $8, Amazon
There have been so many recent studies about how coloring lowers stress and anxiety levels and even has the ability to induce a meditative-like brain state. Color Me Calm is filled with 100 gorgeous mandalas, nature scenes, and geometric patterns to help you unwind and center yourself. The pages are one-sided, so you don't have to worry about ink bleeding through, and reviewers say it works with any medium, from pencils to markers.
11. This Silver-Plated Bracelet With Movable Beads, So You Can Literally Count Your Blessings
Count Me Healthy Gratitude Journal Bracelet, $59, Amazon
This gorgeous silver-plated Count Me Healthy bracelet is specifically designed to help you count your blessings throughout the day. Slide the movable beads over with every grateful thought, so you can get in the habit of noticing the beauty in your life. Not only is the design classy and simple, but it fits most wrists thanks to its bendable cuff design.
12. This Aromatherapy Candle Made Specifically For Meditation
Aroma Naturals Meditation Candle, $10, Amazon
Most people assume that meditation needs to be done internally with your eyes closed, but that's not true at all. In fact, meditation occurs any time you're focusing on something in the current moment. Candle meditation is when you settle your attention on a flame to help anchor your mind, and this Aroma Naturals meditation candle is made with real essential oils (like patchouli and frankincense) to induce clarity. It lasts for up to 50 hours, uses only food-grade wax, and has a cotton wick that burns clean.
13. This Genius Foldable Meditation Chair That's Made With A Comfy Foam Interior
bonVIVO EASY II Padded Floor Chair, $45, Amazon
This bonVIVO floor chair helps you carve out a calming and comfortable space to practice meditation, because it's convenient, comfortable, and promotes a straight-back posture. The interior foam molds to the body while the flexible backrest can be locked in five different positions. You can even fold it up for easy travel and storage.
14. This Ridiculously Popular Planner That Boosts Happiness, Gratitude, And Productivity
Panda Planner, $30, Amazon
With its monthly, weekly, and daily sections, the Panda Planner helps you organize your whole life. But it doesn't stop there. It also uses scientifically proven strategies and activities to increase gratitude, productivity, and happiness. Besides the planner that reviewers call "highly effective" and "thoughtfully designed," you also get seven free e-books and a mini video course on boosting productivity in any area of your life.
15. This Edgy How-To Book If You're Sick Of All The Fluff
You Are a Badass, $10, Amazon
Maybe the coddling language and cliched quotes aren't for you. With its hilarious stories and occasional profanity, You Are a Badass is a fresh take on the self-help genre. Bestselling author and world-traveling success coach Jen Sincero helps you change self-sabotaging beliefs and create a life you actually love. "Smart, funny, and to the point," says one reviewer. "Just what you need to be the badass that you always knew you were!"
16. This Gorgeous Essential Oil Diffuser That's Safe And Easy To Customize
MOSPRO Essential Oil Diffuser, $39, Amazon
An essential oil diffuser is a powerful tool for meditation, mindfulness, and changing your mindset. This one from MOSPRO has a unique hollowed-out mosaic design and a dark-wood finish that reviewers can't get enough of. It's also got adjustable timers, mist settings, and LED lights, as well as ultrasonic technology that's extra quiet. It even shuts off automatically when the tank runs out, so you can zen out without worrying.
17. This Fill-In-The-Blank Booklet That You Can Personalize And Give To Someone You Love
Knock Knock Why I’m Grateful for You Journal, $12, Amazon
To show compassion and gratitude for someone in your life, there's the Why I’m Grateful for You journal. Simply fill in the blanks for every thoughtful prompt, and give it to your best friend, significant other, parent, or coworker as a gift. "These booklets are the best," says one reviewer. "I bought one for my sister, mother, and two best friends. Each of them cherish this gift and felt it was one of the best gifts they have ever gotten."
18. This Interactive Gratitude Journal That Combines Prompts And Coloring
Tiny Buddha's Gratitude Journal, $12, Amazon
This flexibound interactive workbook is called Tiny Buddha's Gratitude Journal, and it helps readers foster thankfulness in their daily lives. It combines questions, prompts, and coloring pages to help you recognize small blessings and focus on the positive. "It makes me feel so much happier, lighter, and appreciative after I've written in it," says one reviewer.
19. This 4-Part Intro To Meditation CD Reviewers Call "Life-Changing"
Guided Mindfulness Meditation, $21, Amazon
In this four-part guided mindfulness meditation, Jon Kabat-Zinn (a researcher of mindfulness and an associate professor of medicine) leads the listener through a practice that's restful, relaxing, and flexible for all beliefs and levels. People love it because it's accessible, not at all intimidating, and, in short, life-changing. "I have used these meditations since 2002 and use them as a teaching tool as well," says one reviewer. "They are the foundation of living a life of presence, integrity and joy."
20. This Fun Portable Tool That Helps You Let Go Of Negativity
Mini Buddha Board, $14, Amazon
The Buddha Board is an extremely helpful tool if you have trouble letting go of things. Simply pick up the included brush, dip it into the water tray, and write out whatever's bothering you. The environmentally-friendly board shows your message for a moment before it evaporates away. Reviewers call it "very therapeutic," and since it's tiny and portable, it's a great thing to keep on your desk at work.
21. These Engraved Stones For A Boost Of Inspiration Throughout The Day
Engraved Inspirational Stones, $25, Amazon
There are tons of daily exercises you can do with these Inspirational stones. Pick one out of a jar and write down three things that induce that feeling, or carry it around with you as a reminder from the universe. Reviewers love them because they're actually engraved (not just painted), and they're "natural, polished and very tasteful!"
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