The Power of Gratitude
Thanksgiving is tomorrow here in the states. For much of my life, I’ve related this day as one in which to extend gratitude. To spend time with family and friends and remember that which we are thankful for.
As I’ve grown wiser, I realize that gratitude should not be reserved for one holiday each year. This recognition of that which we are thankful for should be extended and practiced everyday.
For the past few weeks I’ve been following a meditation program put on by the Mentors Channel focused on the subject of gratitude. Each day I’ve listened to insights on different areas of life and how gratitude plays a role in a positive, healthy life.
One speaker (I can’t recall her name!) spoke about gratitude and how focusing on it each and every day actually changed the make up of our genes — in a good way 🙂 This happens through what is called epigenetics — the evolution of our genes through positive thinking.
Being Thankful All Year Long
The gratitude program reminded me several times of an exercise that I first heard about from Oprah. That is to help put focus on gratitude in our lives by writing down what we are grateful for each day in a gratitude journal.
A good time to do this exercise is before bed — to help calm the mind before sleep.
By focusing on what is good in our lives, this helps shift the subconscious mind. When I have to write something down each day, something magical happens….. I look for the good. And eventually this habit sticks.
When the focus is on the good, it is away from the bad. Simple as that. Turning groaning to appreciation takes a simple shift of perception. What can be appreciated from the situation?
I think many times the challenges in our lives are placed in our paths as lessons. What can be learned from these struggles? This question allows us to see things in a new light.
When the focus is on gratitude, on appreciation then this energy is put forth and returned in positive ways especially in the way of improved health and mental well being.
On the Positive Side?
I’d like to take this moment and extend my gratitude to you lovely reader 🙂 Thank you for reading my blog and being a part of my journey.
I am grateful for mediums like this that allows me to express my thoughts to the world and am grateful for those who read them 🙂
I am grateful for those who believe in the power of natural healing and who’ve inspired me to take a different path.
I am grateful for all the lovely ladies that I’ve met who struggle with endometriosis too. And I am very grateful for this moment in which I am not in pain 🙂
I am grateful for the love in my life and for the beautiful state I live in that brings with it many days of warm sunshine.
What about you? What are you grateful for? I’d love to hear from you….
Much love (and Happy Thanksgiving!)
Aubree.Â
