The second wonderful way to calm is gratitude. (here is a TEDtalk video about gratitude that always inspires me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXDMoiEkyuQ, )My professor Greg Crosby tells a story about a clinical study where a third of the participants were asked to write down random events that happened in their day, another third were asked to write down only the negative things that had happened, and the last third were asked to detail only positive things they were grateful for. They followed them for ten weeks. The grateful third were 25% happier and more optimistic than the others. Gratitude focuses our attention on what is present instead of what is missing.
OK. So check it out. Aunt Bertha is going on and on about your weight as usual. You breathe from your belly. Calm. Calm. It’s kind of working, but not quite. Part of you wants to clobber dear Aunt Bertha. Stop for a moment. What about Aunt Bertha are you grateful for? Umm. She’s a great cook, she is very generous with her time and does more than her fair share for the holiday get together. Just by noticing what is wonderful about her, you might be able to calm your frustration with gratitude.
Take Home Point: When we notice what we are grateful for; we become present to the gifts all around us.
No comments:
Post a Comment