I have been doing a “Blessings” post on FB for about a year…maybe longer. It usually reflects 3 things that happened the day before that gave me pleasure.
Separately, I had picked up a newspaper magazine in my local library entitled “Bella” last fall. I meant to read it to see what it was about, but I didn’t get to it until recently.
Well that newspaper magazine had an article called “Thanksgiving all year long” which talked about gratitude. It was written by Karen Poteat. And, to document some of it for my memory, I will share parts here.
Ms. Poteat divided her article into 3 sections: (1) the science, (2) personal benefits, and (3) the art of practice.
The science: “When gratitude is expressed or received, neurotransmitters called serotonin and dopamine are released in the brain.” Daily practice leads to strengthening these pathways resulting in both an increased mood and a decreased level of stress.
The personal benefits that interest me: reduced anxiety and fear (especially in this Covid-19 pandemic time), increased longevity, and improved productivity and decision-making. In other words, it is good for your overall health and well-being.
The art of practice that I am doing: praying, being in awe of nature, living in the present, resisting leaving negative comments on social media, forgiving others and letting go of the past, learning something new, and consistently documenting my gratitude. There are other ways of practice, but those represent the ones I am doing.
Overall, this article was reaffirming to me. It told me what benefits I am getting from something I chose to do and a path I chose to walk. And, it gave me reasons to continue.
Sometimes we all need encouragement.
Feathers of My Mind 