Gratitude

The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘gratitude’ as a ‘feeling of being thankful and wanting to express that feeling’. Yes, that is it, and yet it is so much more; practising gratitude can create new neural pathways in the brain’s reward system. It releases dopamine, serotonin and regulates cortisol production. When you practise gratitude, you activate the amygdala and hippocampus areas of the brain too. 

I find that when I am triggered, if I look for some part of that situation that can stimulate my gratitude response, my heart opens to what has triggered me. I can find compassion and empathy for what or who ever has provided the trigger and that releases me from the hold that trigger might have had over me.

Today I am especially grateful for everything in my life. Refreshing this website has taken me back to my purpose, reviewing photographs has brought back memories both wonderful, funny and difficult. It’s all good stuff to work through in pursuit of a being a more aware person who can make a better contribution to those around me.