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You are here: Home / Blog / Gratitude is the root of joy

Gratitude is the root of joy

November 24, 2016 By Vivian Leave a Comment

The thing we all know but sometimes don’t practice is that fulfillment is found within.

We can create our own world from the reality we choose to see.

What is your sense of how we create our world? 

I used to think the sky would fall. I had a super-strong belief that disaster was imminent. I was so scared that something would happen, and like an acorn falling from a tree onto my head, it would ruin my “really good life” without any warning. I called it my chicken little syndrome. 

I can’t pinpoint the exact thing that burst that bubble, but I can say with a strong conviction that I trained my brain out of that loop through gratitude. We can use positive emotion like a steering wheel; it can direct our focus and help us re-create our own internal world. Noticing what you’re thankful for and investing precious time to express your gratitude actually makes you feel more alive, helps you sleep better, cultivates more compassion and kindness, and even strengthens your immune systems.

You can look widely at what’s happening around you and exercise your mental muscles of attention.

There’s a two for one here, according to the latest neuroscience. The ability to manage your emotions and pay attention comes from the same area of the brain.

Remember what you love,

Vivi

“The root of joy is gratefulness…It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” ― David Steindl-Rast

[Action] Draw your attention to what you want to nurture, and you’ll start to see ‘more of it all around you. But like I always try to remind you… You are your own best teacher. Try it on for yourself.

Let me know if and how I can support you in training your mental muscles towards joy. I’m literally here for you.

[Quick Summary] Cultivate the ability to manage your own mind.
Attention training will tilt your brain in whatever direction you choose.

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Today, on my side of the earth, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving. I have a lot to be grateful for, most especially you—both individually and collectively. When I have the courage to step outside of my own doubt and self-interest and show up to serve you, it gives me more meaning and a stronger sense of purpose, and for that, I am so very grateful.

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