The Healing Power of Gratitude
November 18th, 2008 Posted in Metta Wellness Center | 1 Comment »For many, the holiday of Thanksgiving reminds us to be in gratitude, but it remains an isolated way of being that is limited in scope. It is an opportunity to think of that which we are happy to have in life, whether it is health of any extent, friends and family, abundance, or success in whatever way that word unfolds for each of us in our unique paths. It is a festive feast of fellowship, a joining together around the table to enjoy one another and the gifts we all bring by being ourselves. Why must this amazing feeling of interconnectedness and abundance be but once a year? It is possible to have that deep sense of gratitude each and every day that we are focused on that feeling… what a powerful and healing practice that would be!
Developing a practice of gratitude is a worthy endeavor with many benefits for body, mind, and spirit. Gratitude is inherently stress reducing. It helps increase immunity and decrease subsequent illness. It also aids in digestion and thus assimilation of essential nutrients that the body needs to function optimally. This is why it is a common tradition to say grace before a meal. Gratitude also has the ability to decrease stress by focusing our energy on positive and abundant thinking, rather than fear and scarcity, which is stress inducing. Being thankful for what one has allows the mind and energy to be single focused, and in present moment awareness. This prevents anxiety or worry about the future, or draining one’s energy on mulling over the past which cannot be changed. Thus, the practice of gratitude is a tool for healing and cultivation of deeper consciousness. Another benefit of developing a practice of gratitude is in building a strong foundation for furthering one’s intentions and creating a life of authenticity.
A wonderful way to begin a practice of gratitude is to make a list of that which you are thankful for. Anything that comes to mind, write it down. Think about all areas of life and include those people and things that create a deep sense of peace and joy when you hold them in your heart and mind. Next, create an altar of gratitude. Place your lists upon it daily, along with objects that resonate with your list, such as photos, stones, plants, or other objects that hold deep meaning for you. If that practice seems too involved, or is too much of a commitment at this time, then start where you are and do what you can. Every effort is a step in the right direction! If you jot some things on a post-it at work, or type your list on your Blackberry, it still resonates that energy out into the world! A final thought on practicing gratitude: it is not merely something you do in isolation. Tell those that you are grateful for in your life how much they mean to you and freely share the love that comes flowing out of a heart that is deep in Thanksgiving!