Celebrating the good
We have recently celebrated Thanksgiving in Canada and November Is the month of Thanksgiving in the United States.
Thanksgiving, very simply, is a celebration of the abundance of the harvest. These days it becomes an opportunity to appreciate all that is good in our lives.
Rick Hanson, renowned neuroscientist and author of “Hardwiring Happiness” discusses the science based theory that the brain is hardwired to remember negative and painful events (“negativity bias” ).
He says “ because our brains are like Velcro for the bad and Teflon for the good, frustration, worry, and stress are quickly wired into your nervous system”.
However, using the science of positive neuroplasticity it is possible for us learn how to acknowledge what may be difficult in our lives while also shifting our attention to the good that is also there. Apparently we need to allow ourselves, at least 20 seconds, to change our neurochemistry. Savouring our experiences is not only pleasurable but beneficial for our brains.
Gratitude journals have become popular for this very reason. If we can write out a few things each day for what or whom we appreciate we can start to feel the effects. Appreciation also lands better when we actually reflect on the reasons why we appreciate what we appreciate and allow for a whole body experience.
If you are interested in this topic Rick Hanson’s website is full of amazing articles and podcasts intended to not only inspire but also educate.
Much love,
Vivianne
