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Gratitude: The Quickest Way to Boost your Mood

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When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and the joy of living. If you find no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself – Tecumseh, Shawnee Native American Leader

One of the quickest ways to welcome more happiness and optimism into your life is to practice gratitude. Gratitude is a feeling we experience by noticing, and being thankful for, the blessings in our life. It can greatly transform our overall feelings of well-being. People who regularly practice gratitude experience better physical and mental health. We cannot experience negative emotion if we are feeling thankful. Gratitude is accompanied by feelings of peace and joy; it has the potential to change our thoughts from lack to abundance.

Anyone can adopt a practice of gratitude. At first it may feel uncomfortable, even insincere, but overtime it becomes easier and much more natural. What we focus on expands, and when we choose to notice our blessings we find more things to be thankful for. You can instantly experience more gratitude in this moment by appreciating the simple things that so many of us take for granted. Appreciate the fresh water that you drink, the warmth of the sun, the air that you breathe. Notice small acts of kindness, like someone holding the door for you, or buying your morning coffee. Practice looking people in the eye and genuinely saying “thank you”. Be specific in your praise. Something as simple as saying to a waitress “thank you for your great service” will help boost their mood as well as your own. Take note of how the feeling of gratitude affects your body. Where do you feel gratitude? What thoughts strongly evoke feelings of gratitude? Practice these thoughts often.

Beginning and ending your day with a gratitude practice will evoke feelings of peace and joy. In the morning, before you get out of bed, take time to be grateful for the day ahead. Be thankful for the fun day at work, or the interesting conversation with a friend. Saying thank you in advance helps to set a positive tone for the day. So often people dread getting out of bed because they are worried about the things that might go wrong throughout the day; instead, practice being grateful for things going smoothly. At the end of each day, when you are lying in bed, think of the best thing that happened that day and say “thank you”. Often times people use the time before bed to reflect on what went wrong throughout their day; what someone said to offend them, how they were disrespected, lied too, etc. Or people spend the time mentally preparing a to-do list for tomorrow. Using this time to reflect on what you are grateful for will help you fall asleep in a positive state of mind.

Gratitude is a way of approaching life. It is a choice we make to focus on the good in each day. Post a list of blessings in your room, and choose to look at it often. Carry a list of blessings in your purse or pocket and look at it when you are feeling down. When we are thankful for what we have, we make room for more good things to come into our experience.

Who Is It You Desire To Become?

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Fotolia_4656516_Subscription_LMost of us have little problem answering the question “what do you want in life”?

Some will say wealth, and some will say true love. Others will say health, a beautiful home, a nice car, or a successful career, or a family.

All are perfectly good answers and there is no reason why they cannot be achieved.

When I ask clients “Who Is It You Desire To Become” most have to take time to process the question. After a few moments, many say they are fine with whom they are, they just want a better life. They will then proceed to describe many of the above conditions, which they feel will produce this better life.

It usually starts with “ Well if I only …(fill in the blank) then I would be happy”. Then the description of the conditions would follow.

What is not being understood and accepted here is that conditions must follow conditioning. In other words, for you to acquire something in your life you must set the conditions within yourself first. It is only then that you will have the ability to create what you desire to become.

Possibly you have heard the example about attracting love. It is said, “ You must become the person you want to attract.” If I desire to attract a loving, affectionate, beautiful, funny, … (I have a long list) woman as my soul mate, then I must become this within myself. You will attract that which you believe yourself to be.

The same goes for all your desires in life. If you desire wealth, happiness, and health, then you must know yourself as such. By becoming what you desire you become a magnet.

I ask you now. Who Is It You Desire To Become? If you cannot give a description in perfect detail along with the feeling of already having it, then you are just treading water.

This is the first place I start when working with a new client. I don’t go much further until the client knows what he or she desires in their health, fitness, and wellness.

This statement is a declaration of what we together are going to achieve. From this statement we can then create a plan to move forward.

People are afraid to really let go and admit to what they desire, because they realize there will be some work to do on their part to achieve it. They are right of course, but what is so off-putting to some work if it will create the life you have always desired?

You are not meant to dream and sit on your hands all day in hope that it will just happen. That’s not how it’s done, not if you want to experience it in the physical world.

Interestingly, so many of us go to work for someone else and work our tails off, while thinking “I should be doing this for myself”. In this case you are working for someone else’s dream are you not?

We need to create the motivation within ourselves to become who we desire to be. Taking this action is going to be a bit uncomfortable for many, but so worth it.

I encourage you to take the time to find a quite space away from all distractions, and begin to express who you desire to become. Not what you want, those are just things. I want you to step out and ask yourself “Who do I really want to become? What would it feel like to be this person? What would my life be like?”

Write it all down in as much detail as possible. Describe the feelings that go along with this new you. Then I want you to refine the statement into a paragraph. Make it in the present tense as if you are living it right now.

When you’re done with this I want you to email me your “Statement of Gratitude” for your new life. In the subject line of the email write “Who I Desire To Become”.

I will choose the 5 best statements, and email you back with tips and directions for the next step.

Here’s a clue. Part of who you desire to be should include your health, fitness, or wellness.

I can’t wait to read your “Who I Desire To Become”.

I wish for you Vibrant Health.

David Fresilli – C.H.E.K. Holistic Health Practitioner / Corrective Exercise Specialist

Want to work with David? Contact him here:

Holistic Health & Fitness

David@holistic.health.fitness00@gmail.com

www.holistichealth-fitness.com

Telephone: 541-941-8800

Connect with the Spirit of your Inner Child

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Fotolia_5492051_Subscription_LEach of us has an inner child who is longing to come out and play; to laugh, be silly, have fun and enjoy life. Our inner child is the curious, fun-loving part of our personality that seeks spontaneity and adventure. It wants to explore all that life has to offer with an open mind and heart. It knows how to have fun for the sake of having fun. Our inner child unapologetically embraces who we are, perceived flaws and all. When you connect with the spirit of your inner child healing takes place, leaving more room for joy, peace, and fun in your life.

One of the best ways to connect with your inner child is to do the things you are passionate about. So often the things we care about the most get pushed aside as we get swept up in our daily to-do lists packed with things we feel we have to do, instead of want to do. Become very clear about what matters most to you and make an effort to have your daily activities be a reflection of these things. Start taking note of the activities and people who put a smile on your face and fill your heart with joy. Notice the times when you are feeling at your best; what are you thinking? What are you doing? Who are the people around you?

To truly make your inner child smile it can be helpful to reflect on the things you enjoyed doing during childhood. What were your favorite activities? Did you have an imaginary friend? What toys did you like to play with? What games were you drawn toward? It can also be helpful to reflect on your childhood dreams. Did you envision yourself as an artist creating breathtaking paintings for the world to see? Did you imagine yourself as a teacher sharing your knowledge and wisdom with others? Childhood dreams may be expressed differently today but there are still ways to honor them. For instance, if you wanted to be a singer you could join a choir or go to karaoke. If you had dreams of becoming an actress you could take an acting class, or try out for a local play. Looking over childhood pictures can help trigger memories of things you enjoyed doing. Thinking back to these earlier years can provide insight into things you may still enjoy today but have not made time for.

So what stops us from letting our inner child play? Often we feel we need to hold ourselves back. We remain composed, serious, and ‘adult-like.’ Or we get so weighed down in the demands of daily life that there seems to be no room for fun. It is true that we have daily responsibilities and at times we need to step into our adult shoes, but it does not mean that we need to leave our inner child behind. Allowing our childlike spirit to shine through makes us more open-minded, joyful, creative, and productive. It can even make our daily routine seem more interesting. Through the eyes of a child everything is a new, exciting adventure, full of possibilities. Every situation is made more enjoyable with a little imagination.

When you allow your inner child to shine through you will see the world with new eyes; eyes of love, positivity, and joy. Give your inner child the love and approval that it is longing for by making sure your self-talk is supportive and encouraging, honoring the unique, beautiful person that you are. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Be silly, laugh, and have fun. Let the spirit of your inner child shine through in all that you do and your daily life will be transformed in many magical, fun ways.

Is My Life On Autopilot?

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JG1The question to answer is this: Is my attention present? Consciousness is only ever here now. Thoughts and feelings cannot occur anywhere other than in the present moment. Our physical body exists only in this moment. However, our attention is unfixed in time and space. Our attention drifts away from the present as we experience memories or imagine the future.

Mind is a condition of existence arising from the ever-present consciousness. Observe: if you are absorbed in a memory or thoughts of the future, whether pleasant or unpleasant, the mind is doing this now. Thoughts and feelings rise and pass now. Right now, many people are experiencing feelings connected to memories, while others are anticipating the future.

Our observations of incoming data are immediately placed in context with our past experiences. Because of this process, many people live in the moment as if it equals the past. Are we aware in the moment of our thought and feeling choices, or are we running on autopilot? Are we living our lives in response to what is happening now, or are we reacting to present input based on our past? Do we simply go about running our prerecorded programs? Context predisposes us toward living on autopilot. Often, our routines lull us to sleep, and our attention drifts. This is not good or bad, it just is.

When we live on autopilot, an event occurring now may be unconsciously associated with something that happened in the past. Or, a future event may be equated to a similar past event. If that event was pleasant, we could develop expectations about how the future event will bring joy. Imagine our disappointment if the future doesn’t measure up to our hopes. Dreading a future event is also rooted in our autopilot program.

Is our attention on choosing what we think and how we feel right now? When we practice awareness in the moment, the observer is awake. Awakened, we observe our automatic and habitual thoughts and feelings. In our awakened state, we have the freedom to choose our responses to what is happening now. Awakened, we notice how thoughts and feelings arise and pass—without analysis or attachment. Awareness of the present is often referred to as mindfulness. Mindful focus on the present is powerful because it takes us off of autopilot and restores our power of choice for our emotions, thoughts, and (re)actions.

With a mindfulness practice, we are able to observe and end our habit of reacting to this moment as if it equals the past. With practice, mindfulness relives anxiety about the past and the future. Being aware in the present moment isn’t about forgetting our past or ignoring the future. Keeping our attention present is about making conscious choices. Mindfulness brings our attention to the content of our thoughts and feelings. This action returns us to the point of power—which is now. Keeping our attention present enhances our journey because we stay awake to our moment-to-moment thoughts and feelings that create our experience of reality right now.

The goal is not to forget the past. Our memories contain gifts. Some of our memories are very pleasant; some are not. The feelings happen now. Perhaps a memory helps us learn to forgive ourselves or others. Maybe we are learning to release guilt, or perhaps we are growing to realize that the way my life is today is in my power now. The gift may be learning to let the past go. What if the gift is practicing shifting attention away from the past and into the moment? My point is that memories have something to teach us when our attention is present. Planning for and taking action toward our future is also valuable. We plan for the future with our attention present.

I want to share my simple process: First, I observe that I’m dwelling on a memory. Second, I notice how I’m feeling in the moment. Third, I consciously choose what I want to think and feel in the present. Notice that I don’t beat myself up for drifting into a memory. I welcome my freedom to choose my thoughts and feelings now. I also follow this process when I observe myself future-tripping. I invite you to try this approach if it appeals to you.

While our thoughts and feelings can only occur in the inescapable present, our attention drifts. Running our lives on autopilot equals a surrender of our power. Habitually worrying about past or future events wastes the moment. Nonetheless, our past is a teacher worthy of our respect, and dreaming of a brighter tomorrow may birth positive change—now.

We are living a lifetime. Our memories of the past arise now. Our thoughts about the future occur now. The context of our experience is ever present. Paying attention to the content of our thoughts and feelings allows us to respond to life events in the present. Observe, without judgment or attachment, present thoughts and feelings. Then, decide if a shift in attention is desired. Under all circumstances, be gentle with yourself.

The awakened life requires practice. In every moment ask: Is my attention present? Just asking the question brings our attention into the moment. There are endless resources and countless teachers to assist you if mindfulness is a process that attracts you. I assure you that practicing mindfulness costs nothing. Mindfulness need not be tied to religious doctrine, yet that option is available if you find it fulfilling. I have the highest respect for your discovery and practice of present attention methods that serve you. However you decide to shut off autopilot, enjoy the journey.

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