Doing Gratitude: When Thinking About It, Is Not Enough

We often hear and discuss gratitude, especially in positive psychology. We know it’s important; we read about its benefits and perhaps occasionally remind ourselves to be grateful. But seeing gratitude transformed into a daily ritual is a different experience altogether. During my time in Bali, I had the opportunity to witness and participate in a beautiful practice known as Canang Sari. This ritual taught me how gratitude can be woven seamlessly into our daily lives.

Relmi Damiano

Discovering Canang Sari

In Bali, Canang Sari is a daily offering made by the Balinese people to their gods. This offering consists of a minor, hand-made basket from coconut leaves filled with vibrant flowers. Each flower is placed with intention, representing the cardinal directions. The process is not just about the physical act of creating the offering but also about the mindset and heart-set accompanying it.

The phrase "Canang Sari" is deeply rooted in Balinese, carrying literal and symbolic meanings. It is derived from the Balinese words "sari," meaning essence, and "canang," referring to a small palm-leaf basket used as a tray. Delving more profoundly, "canang" consists of two syllables from the Kawi language: "ca," which means beautiful, and "nang," which signifies purpose. Canang Sari embodies the essence of beauty and purposeful intention, perfectly encapsulating the ritual's significance in Balinese culture.

The Process and Its Meaning

The base of the Canang Sari is made from young coconut leaves, meticulously folded and woven into a small, square container. The flowers used are chosen for their colours and symbolic meanings: white for the east, red for the south, yellow for the west, and blue or green for the north. As each flower is placed, there is a moment to reflect on the intention and gratitude for the day.

Canang Sari is offered daily as a form of gratitude for the peace bestowed upon the world. It is the most straightforward daily household offering yet carries profound meaning. The philosophy behind Canang Sari is one of self-sacrifice, as it requires time and effort to prepare. This daily act of creating the offering is a testament to the importance of reflecting on and giving thanks for the peace and blessings we receive.

This daily act of creating this offering is a meditation in itself. It requires you to slow down, use your hands and focus your mind. While participating in this Canang Sari class, I immersed myself in this peaceful practice. 

A Deep Dive into Gratitude

The women who guided us were patient and kind, explaining the significance of each step. Sitting with them, I felt a deep connection to the practice. I asked questions, trying to understand the deeper meaning behind each action. As I wove the coconut leaves and placed the flowers, my mind began to quiet. I focused on the simple yet profound act of creating something beautiful and meaningful. This slowed-down process allowed me to truly delve into my feelings of gratitude.

The experience was transformative. By using my hands and engaging in this mindful practice, I felt more connected to the present moment and more appreciative of the simple joys in life. Each Canang Sari offering intends to give thanks and set a positive tone for the day.

Integrating Gratitude into Daily Life

The practice of Canang Sari made me realise how we can incorporate gratitude into our daily routines. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes each morning to reflect on what we are grateful for and setting an intention for the day.

In positive psychology, gratitude is highlighted as an essential emotion to nurture. It helps improve our mental health, enhances our relationships and increases our overall well-being. But, as I learned in Bali, the key is to move beyond merely thinking about gratitude to actually doing it.

Ladies making Canang Sari

Bringing It Home

After participating in this class, I felt a renewed sense of peace and purpose when I returned to my homestay. The tranquil atmosphere of Bali, coupled with the profound practice I had just learned, left a lasting impression on me.

I decided to create my small ritual inspired by Canang Sari. Each morning, I set aside a few minutes to reflect on my blessings and set an intention for the day. Even amidst the ongoing journey in Bali, this simple practice has made a significant difference in my outlook and mindset. It's grounding and centring, reminding us daily of the beauty and abundance surrounding us.

Doing gratitude, rather than just thinking about it, has become a vital part of my routine here. This Balinese practice has shown me that gratitude is not just an emotion but a way of living, a daily commitment to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings in our lives. In embracing this practice, I have found a deeper connection to my life and a greater sense of peace and contentment.

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