Saturday, November 21, 2009

The Power of Gratitude

Another Thanksgiving is less than a week away. As I pondered the meaning of the holiday, I asked myself what makes gratitude so powerful? Giving thanks is so important that we made it a national holiday. Every religion emphasizes the importance of gratitude and every language has a linguistic equivalent for the word gratitude. So I did a little research on gratitude. Here's what I found.

From a study entitled "Gratitude & Happiness: Development of a Measure of Gratitude & Relationships with Subjective Well-Being", published in Social Behavior and Personality in 2003, the researchers found that gratitude is a highly developed trait and ranks in the top 4% in terms of likable traits. It improves mood and naturally occurs as a result of happiness. Being grateful is important to living the good life and increasing a sense of well-being. Grateful people have a sense of abundance, simple appreciation, and appreciation of others.

A University of Miami study found that gratitude is integral to health, wholeness, and well-being. It increases optimism, decreases physical symptoms, aids in personal goal attainment, increases a feeling of connection with others, and improves sleep. People who practice gratitude are more likely to help someone with a personal problem or offer emotional support. They are more empathic and take the perspective of others. They place less importance on material things. Generosity, sharing, commitment and responsibility to others are natural outcomes of being grateful. The study also indicates that faith enhances the ability to be grateful.

Wow! Gratitude is powerful medicine and when we have faith, especially in ourselves, gratitude naturally increases. From an energetic or spiritual perspective, the more you are grateful for something, the more the universe brings similar opportunities to you. It simply follows the Law of Attraction.

What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving? What do you choose to attract more of at this time of year? As the song goes, "I've got plenty to be thankful for."


Joan Cerio - Keeper of the Keys to a Masterful Life
Life Lines - Publishing high vibrational words that serve as "lifelines" for self-transformation.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Just this side of paradise

Messages come to us when we pay attention. As I was perusing some metaphysical books at a Barnes & Noble the other day, the words to the song playing in the background got my attention. While not the exact words, a line from the song went something like this: You are an angel come down from the heavens. I smiled, grateful for the reminder, and kept skimming Deepak's new book, Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul. I just finished reading this excerpt from his book:

The spiritual path unfolds when you follow your heart's desire. Inside everyone is a place that is intimate, alive, and full of yearning. It doesn't focus on God, or salvation, or unconditional love. It focuses on the next thing it desires. If that next thing is fulfilled, there will be a next thing, and then another and on and on.

As I was prompted by the book, I asked my heart this question: What is next? Home was the swift response. I then asked what "home" means to me. Immediately a feeling of pure contentment came over me as I imagined myself with my yet-to-be revealed ideal partner
. In that same moment, my eyes were drawn to a sign at the end of a row of books. Only half of the sign was visible from where I sat. There, on the red sign, was the word Romance. My attention was then drawn to the wall poster on the far wall. On it was a drawing of a couple with these words: This side of paradise. Yes, I am just this side of paradise. What is next for me is feeding my heart the love it has craved for years.

We are all "just this side of paradise." I keep getting messages that wonderful change is about to sweep through my life. Amen. 11:11 will be an enormous gateway ushering in our new life. Now is the time to ask your heart what it desires next. "All you can do is what is next." I have heard this advise from a close friend many times and I have given this advise to clients. Do what is next and then the next step will be shown to you.

Especially during these chaotic times, my best advice is to pay attention, be in the moment, and focus on what is next. First and foremost, pay attention to what your heart desires then pay attention to the messages that come your way to confirm you are following the path your heart created for you. Allow your heart to take the wheel of your life. Use your mind for reference and interpretation and let your heart do the navigating.

For now, clarify what your heart tells you is next and then focus your attention and intention on that. Watch for signs and follow the bread crumbs of your soul. Be grateful. Act as if you have already attained your heart's desire. Be in your joy. Joy is like a glue. It will attract people to you to assist in creating your heart's desire. Joy-n together. Co-create. Laugh. Play. New life is just this side of paradise.

Joan Cerio - Keeper of the Keys to a Masterful Life
Life Lines - Publishing high vibrational words that serve as "lifelines" for self-transformation.

Coeuressence School of Self-Mastery is now available at http://joancerio.com.