We are walking, talking self-perpetuating, self-fulfilling creatures.

Like when we say we are what we eat, we are also what we think. What we say. To others and to ourselves.

So, now what? You and I have built up years upon years of this habitual way of thinking for one reason or another. Those reasons are not important at this juncture. What is important is how we can begin to change it.

And the easiest way to start – is in gratitude. Negative thoughts and emotions are naturally repelled by gratitude and feelings of love. It’s like kryptonite for negativity.

And there is always something to feel grateful for. I like to start with the air we are breathing.

Take a moment – stop everything and try out this exercise:

Concentrate on your nose as you inhale that precious life-giving air – the cooling sensation as the air passes through your nostrils. Hold it for a count of three – really feel that air filling up your chest and stomach.

Now exhale slowly, concentrate on the warming sensation as it passes back through your nose on the way out.

Make sure to only be breathing through your nose. There is much science behind it, which I’m not going to get into other than to mention that mouth breathing can trigger the flight or fight response and that is the opposite of what we want right now.

Continue to breathe this way – in through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, and release. Now as your body relaxes with each breath, I want you to shift your focus to the center of your chest or as I like to call it – the seat of gratitude. Feel the expansiveness of your heart as you breathe and give thanks to your breath, for this life, for the ability to just sit there and feel. Allow that sensation to grow – for thirty seconds or for five minutes. It doesn’t matter. Allow it to fill you up.

A wonderful pairing to your breathing techniques is to also focus on the very spot you are sitting in – the chair, the room – be thankful for your shelter, your safety. You are safe in this exact moment, feel thankful for this. You are safe, let that envelope you right now.

Another beautiful way to feel gratitude is to call up a picture of someone you love most. Hold their face in your mind – your child, your partner, your best friend, your grandmother, mother whoever it is you love the most. And just sit in that love for as long as you can.

This session might not last long, especially in the beginning. And that’s okay – if you get ten seconds out of it, that’s ten seconds longer than before. Do it twice a day – morning and night. And watch . . .

Gratitude attracts gratitude.

Sometimes our lives get so hectic we forget what we already have, right in front of us at any given moment.

The more you can train yourself to feel it and see it, the more and more things to be grateful for will come into your world.

MUAH! I love you!

Vicki