Sit for a moment and think of something for which you are grateful...
Is gratitude a feeling that manifests in our body? I think it is. In Psalms 30, David expresses his thanks to the Lord. He feels lifted up, secure in the Lord's prosperity, more aware of the healing power of God, girded in gladness, and his mourning is turned into dancing. These descriptions of how he feels indicate expansion, peace, and a lightness of spirit. Could a meditation on gratitude offer this to you and me?
Every morning, this past week, I have opened myself more fully to gratitude. I sit and breathe and think on someone for whom I am very grateful. I've noticed an expansion in my breathing and a softness in my heart. It seems that relaxation is related to these mental thoughts. As the minutes tick by, I find it easy to let my mind rest on more and more things for which I am grateful.
"Give yourself a gift of five minutes of contemplation in awe of everything you see around you. Go outside and turn your attention to the many miracles around you. This five-minute-a-day regimen of appreciation and gratitude will help you to focus your life in awe."
Wayne Dyer
November is a month for paying attention to my level of gratitude. It is part of my year long exploration of mindfulness. You can read more about my Year of Mindfulness here.
This was lovely to read after a rough day at work. I've been wondering how to truly leave my work at work, as I know I will wake up in the middle of the night worrying over the lowlights. This seems like a good strategy that may help. Thank you! I am grateful to have "met" you through our blogs.
ReplyDeleteI think gratitude is really powerful. It can certainly change our perspective and I think it can affect how we feel. I like how you sum it up- "expansion, peace and a lightness of spirit."
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