The Power of Gratitude

Tis the season to be grateful and to understand how the practice of daily gratitudes is one of the most powerful exercises you can do in your life. I know, I have practiced being grateful for years. In fact, I have used gratitudes to heal numerous issues in my life and teach my clients to use them often.

Early in my life I practiced at times being thankful, but it was only when I suffered a long term debilitating arm injury that limited the use of my right arm for nearly a year that I truly got how being grateful could help us heal. In physical pain most nights I shifted my attention off of what hurt and put it on what was good about my life. True at times all I could think of was, "I am grateful for this bed," "I am grateful for the covers on this bed," "I am grateful I have an arm," "I am grateful I had food today" and so forth.

Yes, these phrases were often desperate attempts to think of something to say. But, as I practiced gratitudes a funny thing happened, I moved beyond just "counting my blessings." I gave myself an ego adjustment. After all how many people would give anything in the world to have an arm that still functioned, even if the other one didn't? How many people on this planet are literally dying because they don't have food and shelter? No, this is not going to become a feed and shelter the homeless pitch! And yes, I am going to remind you that too many of us are blessed with a number of wonderful gifts (food, shelter, health, family, loved ones, work) and still go through life as if we are missing something. It's ironic that as children we were taught to say "thank you" whenever a gift was given to us.

Whether you recognize it or not life is giving you a gift today! By learning to say "thank you" to even the smallest gift life brings, you fill your heart with joy and a sense of wonder. You relish life and approach it with a deep appreciation. You also help your body heal because your immune system functions better when you are grateful. Not to mention the good it does to your soul when you maintain that child like appreciation that is engaged in total gratitude and wonder over a pebble on a beach or twinkling star above. My arm is now fully recovered, but more important the practice of being grateful is a vital part of my everyday life. Make it a part of your life too. Not only during the Thanksgiving season, but always. Be grateful and heal!

To your success!
Dr. Lisa Love