More on Gratitude

Once again, my poor blog suffers! I had committed to blogging daily about what I was thankful for and didn't quite get it done! I did, however, post about gratitude daily on Facebook, both on my personal page and on the Yoga Moodra Facebook page. Expressions of gratitude have been happening, just not across all of my online spaces.

I found this about some research on gratitude from the folks at Harvard Health Publications:

Two psychologists, Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, have done much of the research on gratitude. In one study, they asked all participants to write a few sentences each week, focusing on particular topics.

One group wrote about things they were grateful for that had occurred during the week. A second group wrote about daily irritations or things that had displeased them, and the third wrote about events that had affected them (with no emphasis on them being positive or negative). After 10 weeks, those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better about their lives. Surprisingly, they also exercised more and had fewer visits to physicians than those who focused on sources of aggravation.

It really should not come as a surprise that the more we think about something, the more impact those thoughts will have on our emotions and actions. I believe when we focus on gratitude and abundance, it makes it easier to share with others and to simply feel that there is "enough"  not just for ourselves, but for everyone. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we focused on all that we have...in all its abundance? Take some time today to count your blessings and to be grateful  for things large and small. See if it doesn't improve your mood. Pay attention and see if your gratitude practice also starts to affect your ability to share with others and feel more content about your own circumstances.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!