Speaking Notes
This week the US will celebrate Thanksgiving.
It encourages us to stop and think about what we are grateful for.
Other countries also have celebrations of thanksgiving – not this week.
Last week I talked about the power of gratitude.
One of the most powerful ways you can make your life better.
This week is a continuation of the power of gratitude.
Gratitude can help your body heal.
You and I are three-part beings.
Spirit, soul, and body.
Psych: Consciousness, mind, and body.
Your soul is the interface between your spirit and body (consciousness & body)
Your soul (mind) is also in 3 parts: thoughts, emotions, & will.
Last week I talked about how gratitude is powerless if it is only intellectual (in your thoughts).
You must attach emotion for it to be useful.
Benefits – happier, less stress, enjoy life.
These qualities will give you better health.
But I want to take gatitude a step further.
You can use gratitude to help your body heal.
Ultramarathon runners: dealing with pain – resist & it will persist. Block it & risk more damage. Acknowledge & accept – it will pass . . . And gratitude speeds the process.
Have you noticed how injury demands attention?
Talk about it. Complain about it. Focus on the problem.
What you focus on will grow bigger.
Your body will eventually heal.
That’s how we are designed.
But the power of your mind/soul can make it heal faster.
Scientific studies on prayer – speeds recovery.
Your own words and thoughts also affect your recovery.
How to use gratitude?
- Find a few minutes when you won’t be distracted.
- Bring up the emotion of gratitude. (listen to last MMM – show notes)
- Focus on the area of pain or injury while holding on to the feeling of gatitude.
- Expect your body to heal.
Do this at least every day. Several times a day is better.
When you feel pain or discomfort, remind yourself your body will heal and feel gratitude.
I used this after my 100 mile race: foot was injured from shoes too tight.
It took 3 months to heal.
I could still run. But my foot was sore.
I don’t know of scientific studies on gratitude and healing.
But I know the power of the mind/soul.
Expectation/faith & gratitude is a powerful combination.
Go practice.
Teach someone about it.
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