One thing to be thankful is our continued incredible weather – days and days in November of beautiful sunny and dry weather in the 60s. The best Thanksgiving weather I ever remember – definitely one of the short term benefits of global warming – wonderful and relaxing nonetheless.
It is great that we have a national day dedicated to thinking about being thankful – certainly a healthy practice, and one that keeps us focused on the positive. That in itself, as many of us know, brings in the positive, as focusing on fear brings in more of that.
Gratitude is also good for the body. Take a minute now to feel grateful for your own gift of drawing breath, being held in a web of love by family and friends, having not just enough to eat but plenty to eat. Now shift your attention to your body and how it feels after your grateful focus. Likely your breathing is deeper and slower. Your face muscles are relaxed into a smile, your fingers are unclenched and spread out. How about your shoulders? If you’re like most of us, they are tight a lot of the time. Do they feel differently now? Perhaps just a bit.
As you go through this day, this week, the run up to Christmas – consider using Gratitude as your relaxer. It’ll get you through with a smile on your face, and has no known side effects – except more relaxation!