Cultivating Gratitude for Our Surroundings in the New Year with Reiki
- Olivea Shure
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
As the new year unfolds, it offers a fresh opportunity to pause and appreciate the world around us. Often, we overlook the small, everyday details that make our local environment unique and comforting. This post invites you to explore how recognizing the beauty in simple elements—flowering trees, park benches, and birds—can deepen our connection to the places we call home. Alongside this, I will share reflections on the practice of giving Reiki to the environment, not as a way to heal the earth, but to nurture harmony between ourselves and the land we inhabit.
Finding Beauty in Local Details
When we think about nature, we often imagine grand landscapes or distant wilderness. Yet, the most meaningful connections often arise from the small, familiar details in our immediate surroundings. In my neighborhood, the arrival of early spring is marked by the delicate blossoms of cherry trees lining the streets. Their soft pink petals create a quiet celebration of renewal that invites me to slow down and breathe.
Nearby, a weathered wooden bench in the park offers a simple place to sit and watch the world go by. It’s not just a bench; it’s a spot where stories unfold—children laughing, couples sharing quiet moments, and birds hopping from branch to branch. The chirping of sparrows and the occasional flutter of a blue jay remind me that life thrives in these small spaces.
These details, often overlooked, hold a gentle power. They ground us in the present and invite gratitude for the everyday beauty that surrounds us.
The Practice of Giving Reiki to Our Environment
Reiki is commonly known as a healing practice for people, but it can also be extended to our environment. This practice involves directing positive energy and intention toward a place, fostering a sense of balance, connection, and peace. When I give Reiki to my surroundings, I do so with the intention of creating harmony, not to fix or heal the earth itself.
For example, during a quiet morning walk, I pause near a cluster of trees and place my hands lightly on the bark. I visualize gentle energy flowing from my palms into the tree, into the soil beneath, and spreading outward. This act feels like a conversation, a mutual exchange of respect and care. It reminds me that I am part of this place, not separate from it.
Giving Reiki to the environment encourages mindfulness. It slows the pace of daily life and invites a deeper awareness of the natural rhythms around us. This practice has helped me feel more connected to my neighborhood and more responsible for its well-being.

How Gratitude and Reiki Enhance Connection
The combination of noticing local beauty and practicing Reiki creates a powerful sense of belonging. Gratitude opens the heart to appreciate what is already present, while Reiki fosters a respectful relationship with the land.
One afternoon, I sat on the park bench after a Reiki session. The sun filtered through the pink blossoms, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh earth. I felt a deep calm, as if the place itself was welcoming me. This moment of stillness made me realize how much these small rituals enrich my daily life.
By regularly acknowledging the beauty around us and offering Reiki, we build a bridge between ourselves and our environment. This connection encourages us to care for our surroundings with kindness and attention.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude and Harmony
You don’t need special skills to start appreciating your local environment and practicing Reiki. Here are some simple steps to begin:
Observe with intention: Take a few minutes each day to notice something small and beautiful near you—a flower, a stone, a bird’s song.
Create a gratitude ritual: Write down or mentally list things you appreciate about your surroundings.
Practice Reiki or mindful energy work: If you know Reiki, offer it to a tree, a garden, or a favorite outdoor spot. If not, simply send kind thoughts and positive energy.
Spend quiet time outdoors: Sit on a bench, walk slowly, or lie on the grass to deepen your connection.
Share your experience: Talk with friends or family about what you notice and feel. This can inspire others to see their environment differently.
These actions help transform everyday moments into opportunities for gratitude and harmony.
Embracing a New Year with Awareness and Care
Starting the year with a focus on gratitude for our surroundings sets a positive tone. It reminds us that we belong to a larger community that includes not only people but also the land, trees, and creatures around us.
By combining the appreciation of local beauty with the gentle practice of giving Reiki, we nurture a balanced relationship with our environment. This approach encourages us to live more mindfully and with greater respect for the places we inhabit.























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