Back in October, in the days and even hours leading up to the Create Ground event that I presented with my Medical Reiki colleague and friend, Genevieve Myers, a series of logistical mishaps took place creating enormous stress for both of us. Due to situations beyond anyone’s control, people we’d been counting on had to drop out even on the morning of the event.
As this was happening, I could feel my old triggers going off, the ones that activate feelings of being unsupported right when something important is going on in my life.
That morning, as chaos was ensuing, I suddenly felt this inner voice say to me to pull out my gratitude tools and get to work. With that I took a deep breath and, while preparing for the day, reflected on all the amazing people that were indeed showing up to our event and helping us out. Just before I left the house, I offered up a prayer of appreciation for each and every one of them. My students and friends were showing up to volunteer and a friend was stepping up to handle the videotaping and other logistics. Dr. Feldman, Raven and Lisa were all showing up to give their amazing talks. And the cancer survivors were showing up to share their personal stories of healing.
Gratitude came to the rescue and gifted me a reality check in a big way!
This was extremely healing for me as it kept me steady and focused on a day when I was stretching myself in a whole new way like never before.
Since that day, I’ve been reflecting on the genuine power of gratitude to heal us in any given moment.
A client of mine who has metastatic cancer commented recently that aside from the cancer she is living with, she is in fantastic health for her age. This state of wellness despite her disease has enabled her to continue doing many of the things she enjoys doing, including travel.
As a healing tool gratitude changes the focus of the story we create around what happens to us in life. It deactivates the reptilian part of the brain that points out what is wrong in any given situation and activates our ability to see the bigger picture. In doing so, we can appreciate life for being so much sweeter than we tend to believe.
As 2019 begins, I’ve decided to bring a new focus to my gratitude practice. As I observe the moments I feel a sense of lack or unease, I will look around for the situations that remind me those feelings don’t represent the whole truth. On days I may be feeling a lack of support in my life or a lack of abundance, I will be sure to appreciate the small ways in which I am supported or feel abundant such as someone holding the door for me or my neighbor greeting me with a friendly smile. I’ll even be sure to appreciate the ways I am generous with others.
Our human nature places ten times more emphasis on what isn’t working than what is working. It’s no wonder that happiness and wellbeing seem so challenging sometimes.
And yet, gratitude, like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup, comes in to make us feel whole once again if we allow it.
Are you keeping a gratitude journal or practice this year?
If so, I invite you to take note of how gratitude not only raises your spirits but restores your wellbeing.
What do you feel is lacking in your life?
If it’s good health, reflect on what is working about your health.
If it’s money, reflect on what you do receive and what is working for you in finding new streams of income.
If it’s love, make note of the ways you are already loved or can show love to yourself.
And appreciate all of it. Because in the end energy flows where the mind goes. If the mind brings into focus what is working, the flow of energy will bring more of that into your life and at times in miraculous ways!
