I know it sounds so cliche’, however, practicing an authentic sense of gratitude is good for your health. Your body reacts to every single emotion you experience, many of which continue to live in your physical body, residing in the fascia, or the connective tissue. Fascia is the material that holds the muscles and tissues together and connects them to the skeletal bones and works with the nervous system via your brain telling your body what to do.

When we experience stress and trauma the body tenses and this tension can remain in the body, causing a sense of stiffness, as in aches and pains and stiff joints. When we experience joy and gratitude, the body feels much lighter. Close your eyes and recollect a moment that pissed you off. Tune into the sensations you feel in your body. Then repeat, but this time recollect a moment in your life where you were happy, laughing and smiling. Tune in again ~ how does that feel? Do you feel the difference?

When we tune into those little moments of happiness, good memories, and joyous occasions, we change not only the physical reactions in the body but also the chemical reactions that are happening as well. Rather than creating stress hormones like adrenaline (epinephrine), cortisol, and norepinephrine, our bodies create feel-good hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin.

Because life can be a rollercoaster of emotions it is important to be aware of this physiological processing that goes on with every single emotion. I came home last night (today is Thanksgiving in the U.S.) feeling a little down and stressed. Maybe because most of my family is in another state, not sure. Either way, I gave myself grace. I cried a little and honored my feelings, as it is important to do that as well. Stuffing that “stress” and feeling of “depression” finds a place to hide in the body. And I know this from my history. This morning I woke up and did my daily meditation practice and chose the gratitude theme. Had to change my mindset and refocus on the things that bring me joy and happiness and change my physiology. And I feel a little better, and ready to face the day.

While the origins of Thanksgiving, and the holidays in general, have become very “commercialized”, I am attempting to take it back to its birth….and that is reminding myself to practice gratitude throughout the day, and not just today, but everyday. Bring on the turkey and stuffing! Happy Thanksgiving!