September 28th, 2023
Dear Reader,
If you read my book, Return to Ho'oponopono, you may have picked up on the significance of gratitude in our life AND on our body, but if you haven't, here is something that may encourage you to be more grateful for the life you have at this very moment, even if things seem horrible.
To keep it short and sweet:
Studies confirm that feeling grateful boosts our happiness levels and fosters both physical and psychological well-being, especially among those with a predisposition of illness. Practicing gratitude curbs the use of of words expressing negative emotions and shifts inner attention away from such negative emotions as resentment and envy, which lead to depression. (Can the words we speak affect our health? Studies show yes.)
It's been proven that people who are grateful feel less pain, less stress, suffer insomnia less, have stronger immune systems, and experience healthier relationships. It also leads one to do better academically and professionally. Our workplace benefits as we can keep our focus on our task at hand rather than on pain or stress.
To easily cultivate gratitude, consider the following:
a. Notice, become aware of the goodness in life. (Envy and cynicism and narcisim are
thieves of gratitude). Gratitude is a remedy for narcissism.
b. Spend time with people you love and appreciate. FEEL the appareciation for the
time and memories made. Notice it in your heart.
c. Make note of the little joys in life! Keep a journal of appreciation.
d. Write down 3 good things that happen each day and identify the cause.
e. Write thank you notes to people who have done acts of kindness for you.
f. Think about people who have inspired you and what about them was most
significant and TELL THEM. Don't keep it to yourself!
Thank you notes have become a lost art. I know I shouldn't generalize that so I'll take that back and say, for ME, mailing thank you notes has become a lost art. But today, I went out and bought a couple packs just to play with the idea in the realm of mysticism and scripture that says, "The more you have (gratitude), the more you are given," Actually, it's in the book of Matthew 13:12, In the New International Version it states specifically, "Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance, Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them."
As I sit listening to the relaxing sound of water coming from a nearby fountain, I am truly grateful for my ability to hear that soothing sound. I am grateful for the birds that sing their lovely melody. And I am grateful for the sounds coming from the wind chimes that my daughter and her husband gave me on their wedding day. Just by sitting and listening for a few minutes to the sounds around me, I am led to contemplate so much in life that I am grateful for. And without even thinking of getting anything in return, my phone begins to chirp. A message comes in asking for me to share my Sound Bath immersion with a couple in exchange for a service they provide!
Gratitude brings in more things to be grateful for. I am grateful that I get to share my love of sound healing with others. I am grateful that I can be of service and share my passions. I am grateful for new friends that enter my life. And I am grateful for YOU dear reader, coming to my blog for inspiration, wisdom, and laughter!
Gratitude = $$$ because as the saying goes, as you give, so shall you receive. It's not about receiving money, but exchanging our gifts with one another. It's about value, passion, service, sharing spiritual gifts, and in the end, it's all about love. THAT is the bottom line.
So, if you have it in you to respond, think quick, what are 3 things you are thankful for in this moment? (Thank you for taking the time to respond!)
Until next time, go buy some thank you cards and surprise some people with snail mail!
Love,
Gail Lynn