GRATITUDE: The ANTI-depressant

LOVE this simple yet powerful quote by Karen Salmansohn. 

Mondays can be rough. Getting back into the swing of things after the weekend sometimes requires more motivation than we're willing to muster up, especially on a few short hours of sleep. 

I was beyond exhausted last night, but just couldn't fall asleep... overtired I guess. At 130AM, I gave in and started reading. 

One of several books I'm reading (and committed to actually finishing) is called Once Beneath The Stars. 

It's an incredibly moving novel from first time writer R.S. Lentin, based on the life of a star football player who gets injured and becomes paralyzed from the neck down. Heavy. 

I sometimes wonder why I'm reading something so sad. It's interesting though, with every page of agonizing detail, there's also something beautiful and poetic. 

Mostly what I'm getting is GRATITUDE... appreciation for the gift of simply being here, being able to move, walk, dance, sing, drive, run, hug, feel, feed/bathe/dress myself... I could go on and on. 

Reading the heartbreaking words of agony and frustration even has me appreciating the mundane things I usually complain about... like traffic, bills and even the cramps I've been getting in my legs at night.  

We tend to get so caught up running on the hamster wheel that we miss the big picture. 

We are SO lucky. 

Life is precious. It's a gift. Every single breath is a gift. Practice being thankful for that alone, and you will find peace in just being.   

Wherever you are in your day, your life, your state of mind... the fastest, surefire way to get in the zone is GRATITUDE... for the big things, for the little things, and for everything in between. So here goes... 

This morning I'm grateful for:

1-central AC

2-hazelnut coffee

3-the sun being out

4-my arms, legs, and internal organs working perfectly (or so they seem to be)

5-completing the 21-day meditation challenge without skipping a day!

*Check out this earlier list I posted a few months back, may spark something for you.

GRATITUDE is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Give some, get some. Get some, give some. 

Simple. NO EXCUSES.

Have a GRATEful week!!!

XOXO

    

MOJO MONDAY: Give yourself a SPIRITUAL MAKEOVER in 21 days!

No more excuses. Opportunity awaits...

Dr. Deepak Chopra, scholar, activist, best-selling author, and spiritual leader is offering a FREE 21-day meditation series through The Chopra Center. 

Starting July 16th, The Chopra Center will be presenting a new meditation exercise each day for 21 days. You'll get the downloads emailed right to your inbox when you register. 

It's the easiest way to test the waters if you've never practiced meditation before, and to commit consistently if you have. 

They say it takes 21 days to create a habit. This is one you want in your life. 

Trust me, I wasn't always this "gung-ho" about it. 

It took time, patience, and practice. But now I see significant shifts as a result, so there's no denying the impact. I want you to experience that for yourself.

I even feel the difference daily now based on whether or not I meditate. 

Don't have time? MAKE SOME! 

It's not about religion or subscribing to anything other than stepping up your MOJO (whatever that means for you).

It's like exercise for your mind-soul-spirit. 

You go to the gym to exercise your body. Why not meditate to exercise your brain? 

It's all about slowing down the inner monologue in our minds so we can process everything more clearly. 

Here are just a few benefits of consistent meditation:

1- mindfulness/awareness

2- decreased stress/anxiety, increased calmness/peace

3- clarity of thought/concentration/focus

4- increased energy

5- improved physical well being

6- increased creativity

Neuroscientists have proven that meditation actually changes our brain chemistry, causing positive shifts in how we process fear and anxiety. 

Check out these articles from Psychology Today and The NY Times for some interesting info on the mind-body connection and the positive implications of meditation.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

To start practicing before Monday, read my previous post on this topic and try these simple, guided mediation videos on YouTube. They just focus on relaxation and breathing, the foundation for any practice. You don't have to be a master to participate. 

I'll be starting this challenge next Monday... challenge yourself!

xoxo

Have a great week!