We believe large-scale social change proceeds at the pace of our own self-transformation. Gratitude has two wings: self-care and social connection. Gratitude Circles create a safe space for people to practice flying with both wings. We soar when we fly in “right relationship” within, with each other, and with our planet. Gratitude is a social emotion. We all have it. Plus, it’s an accessible and cross-cultural practice. And it grows when we share it. It’s a powerful antidote to the human brain’s neurological bias to see the negative. The brain is fear-based. Gratitude changes how we notice the world and, in turn, we create a more positive relationship to the world. Meditation begins with noticing each breath. Mindfulness begins with noticing change. Gratitude begins with noticing good. Noticing is at the heart of shifting consciousness.

WHAT IS A GRATITUDE CIRCLE?
Gratitude Circles bring together self-care and social connection through the synchronicity of nature-inspired and artist-designed prompts. This workshop provides a safe way to explore self-awareness and shared insights in ways that only can happen through practicing gratitude in community. It’s an invitation to a new kind of bravery. Are you looking for a different kind of self-transformation and way of relating with others? In this emergent and unexpected space, we move beyond typical structures of teacher-student and expert-beginner to explore new depths of noticing and feeling gratitude. There are only three rules for a Gratitude Circle: - You are your own best inner-teacher and guide; - There is, therefore, no fixing, advising or saving of others in the circle; - Silence is a participant.

WHY SHOULD I JOIN?
- I seek a more equitable world and appreciate inclusive spaces where diverse voices feel safe to speak and be heard.
- I am a leader and want to grow my self-awareness and compassion.
- I often take care of others and now I want to practice self-care through a practice of gratitude.
- I care about healing people and the planet and seek tangible ways to put this into practice.
- I want to awaken my senses and relationships through a healthy connection to Nature.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS:
This series is a collaboration between two impact-driven companies founded by people of color: Omar Brownson with gthx and Belinda Liu with Gratitude Blooming. We seek to accelerate the growth of leaders through the emergent practice of Gratitude Circles. This method was developed based on our respective work in inspiring the practice of gratitude through art, technology, nature-inspired products, and branding.

As a former Teach For America teacher, China Fulbright Scholar, non-profit education leader and entrepreneur, Belinda is deeply embedded in diverse local and global communities.  Her superpowers are shining a light on people’s strengths, bringing them out into the world, and catalyzing deep transformation. She co-founded Gratitude Blooming and Hestia Retreat Center to lead new paradigms for living, working and being in community using nature, art and self-inquiry.

Inspired to make good visible, Omar is an entrepreneur, catalyst, public speaker, and civic leader. He is the co-founder of the gratitude app gthx (as in "give thanks"). He was the founding Executive Director of the nonprofit RiverLA and has held leadership positions across finance, urban development, and social impact. He serves on the boards of Kiss the Ground and InsightLA.