Appreciation is a Gift!
By Deborah Koppel Mitchell
Recently, while in the awesome beauty of West Yellowstone Park, I "heard" a voice from within speak to me.
The message was: "As human beings, our capacity to heal is beyond intention… It is in our APPRECIATION of what we are observing that the healing occurs."
At first, I got the picture of how here we were in a place (Yellowstone Park) where people come from all over the world. These people are in big appreciation of these many wonders of Nature and whether they are intending to or not, they are sending healing energy to the planet, simply by being in appreciation of it.
As I am getting back into my everyday life, I find my self pondering an even more expansive meaning of that message. It is: If as human beings, we can be in appreciation (see the "gift") of whatever circumstances we have had or are experiencing, whether or not it is comfortable or seems good or bad, then we can be healed too. Only by bringing ourselves to a state of appreciation for our circumstances and selves can the healing itself occur.
Appreciation is a healing gift that only human beings are capable of. It is for us to remember the simplicity of utilizing that gift for the benefit of ALL!
1)
First thing in the morning, look in the mirror and look deeply into your eyes with appreciation and smile.2)
Make a list of all the things you are grateful for and make a practice of reading it aloud, starting with "I am so happy and so grateful..."3)
Allow yourself to get out of your normal routine. Travel. Experience other cultures. Take a day off with no schedule.4)
Take a deep breath and while you inhale, imagine breathing in love--and as you exhale, imagine breathing out appreciation.5)
Get your self out in nature as often as you can. Watch the sunset and fill yourself with gratitude for another day lived.6)
Talk with and/or visit someone who is older, poor, ill, in pain, or handicapped.7)
Allow yourself to serve others: to love deeply, to receive love, and to rest---not just your body, but your mind.8)
Allow yourself sensuality. Whether you are taking a bath, making love, or burying your toes in the mud.9)
Have fun! Allow yourself to connect with your inner child AND inner teenager!Deborah Koppel Mitchell is an expert in connecting and getting the message out on the power of peace and transitions, and has been a Circle Facilitator and publisher of Sphere Circles Publication for past 10 years. She currently resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For more information and to contact Deborah visit: www.sphereswomenscircles.com.