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| Image: "Signet" by Tim Blessed. Copyrighted photograph. All rights reserved. |
How has the week been for you? It's been a crazy week for me. I've been tending to business, making phone calls. So far, the outcome has been good.
The following article by Ashley Davis Bush, a psychotherapist. It fits perfectly with what we do here, at the Attitude of Gratitude Inn. Let me know what you think:
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The following article by Ashley Davis Bush, a psychotherapist. It fits perfectly with what we do here, at the Attitude of Gratitude Inn. Let me know what you think:
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"We all know that one of the best ways to manage stress is exercise. Of course, we could also include massages, vacations, and healthy food as effective stress managers. But all these solutions require special circumstances that cost us money and time -- money and time that we often don't have in sufficient quantities
"So what's a stressed person on a shoestring budget or full tilt schedule to do? The absolute cheapest, bargain basement stress management tool is right in your own mind -- the practice of gratitude.
"Gratitude is the antidote to our most stressful thoughts. In an environment of gratitude, negative emotions cannot thrive. Dr. Robert Emmons, a positive psychologist, has shown how practicing gratitude can raise your "happiness level."
"Neuroscientist Rick Hanson, Ph.D., promotes the practice of "taking in t"Home Sweet Home" -- As you open the door to your home, reflect on a few qualities of this particular house, this unique home, this constellation of dwellers that improves your life. Most people take their home for granted. Here is an opportunity to be aware of your home as a gift. Let the feelings of comfort, safety and ease trigger a smile.
" 'Rest in Peace' -- As you lay your head on the pillow at night, reflect on your day and observe 3 things for which you are thankful. They could be simple pleasures or large successes from the day. As you recall them, try to re-experience and savor them anew, expanding the feelings within your body and abshe good"because it deactivates our bodies' stress response and counteracts anxiety and depressive moods.
"Focusing our stressed minds on the things that we're grateful for is like dousing a fire with cool water. Gratitude is habit-forming. With some practice, we can develop the habit of turning our attention to the plethora of blessings in our lives. Gratitude is not about ignoring the hard things in life; it is about honoring the gifts.
"Whenever you practice gratitude, let yourself really notice the good feelings and allow the sensations and emotions to soak into your body and your memory. Inspired by my book Shortcuts to Inner Peace, the following simple exercises can be woven through your day to create a fabric of happiness and gratitude.
" 'Good Morning Sunshine' -- When you first wake up in the morning, lie in bed with one hand on your upper chest and one hand on your lower belly. Think of three things in your life that make you smile. Breathe in gratitude and let it fill you.
" 'See Food' -- As you eat your first bite of a meal or a snack, look at the food you put into your mouth and give thanks. Try to "see" where it came from and all the steps that were required to have it arrive on your plate. Imagine farmers, factories, truckers and chefs, each step an integral part of the journey to your mouth.
" 'Job Fair' -- Just before you begin your work for the day, think of three things about your job that you really appreciate. Even if you're not thrilled with your job, look to see if you enjoy your co-workers, certain customer interactions, or simply the fact that you get a paycheck that allows you to pay your rent or mortgage.
" 'Home Sweet Home' -- As you open the door to your home, reflect on a few qualities of this particular house, this unique home, this constellation of dwellers that improves your life. Most people take their home for granted. Here is an opportunity to be aware of your home as a gift. Let the feelings of comfort, safety and ease trigger a smile.
" 'Rest in Peace' -- As you lay your head on the pillow at night, reflect on your day . and observe 3 things for which you are thankful. They could be simple pleasures or large successes from the day. As you recall them, try to re-experience and savor them anew, expanding the feelings within your body and absorbing the memory into your mind.
"Don't let stressful circumstances ruin your days. Once you start to see the details in your life through the lens of gratitude, you will find yourself happier and less stressed. No extra time or fancy equipment needed -- gratitude is yours for free!"
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4 comments:
Hi,Pablo,
Thank you for welcoming me back.
My 3 gratitudes for today:
1. A dear friend attended an informative dinner lecture and decided to take advantage of a complimentary screening - this made my heart sing because I know the great health benefit to be had should she move forward.
2. Grateful for the growth I've gained over the last 2 years which has helped me to more readily realize when I am not doing well.
3. Grateful and in deep reflection about some things I learned at a gathering last night.
Good night!
Hi, Pablo
The research info on the power of practicing gratitude was particulary valuable for me in my process. I have noticed that this practice is giving me a tool to slowly interupt looooooong standing negative self talk, freeing myself to experience a calmer state of being and increasing my own awareness of the many or few states that I cycle through in a day.
My 3 gratitudes for today, Weds., 6/27/12.
1. Grateful to becoming less self-berating over things that matter little, if at all.
2. Grateful to be more self-supporting of myself. I left a meeting tonight to take care of myself in the face of another's decision to use fragrence and come into a small public space. This is something I deal with not infrequently as some fragrences cause my nasal passages and palate serious discomfort, to the point I must leave and quickly to manage this response by irrigating my nasal passages or suffer HOURS of discomfiture. In leaving, I did not feel bad, awkward, or embarrassed. Hate I missed the rest of the meeting, and GLAD I acted to ensure my own physical comfort.
3. Grateful for increasing awareness of simply being w/myself where ever I am.
Very appreciative of my dwelling and enjoying the quiet welcome home it always is.
Good night!
Aileen,
I always appreciate reading your gratitudes. I value your consistency in sharing your thankfulness. Kudos to you for helping out a friend!
@ Aileen,
Great to hear it!It's so easy to be critical towards ourself. I'm in agreement with you. It's better to use affirmations and self-love than it is condemn ourself.
You took care of yourself, in that social situation. You weren't externally referented. That's the way to go!
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