Whatever You Appreciate, Appreciates
In the intricate dance of life, there exists a fundamental truth: Whatever you appreciate appreciates. It's more than just a catchy phrase; it's a principle that shapes the very fabric of our existence.
Consider this: Energy flows where attention goes. Our moment to moment choice of where to place our attention literally causes real-time neurological and epigenetic reprogramming. In computer terms, our brain is self-modifying wetware based, in large part, on our internal and external attention choices.
In the practical realm, what we choose to focus on expands within our perceptions and experiences. This focus influences the electromagnetic field we radiate, playing a pivotal role in what we attract and repel. Gratitude is a potent positive force that acts as a magnetic pull for goodness.
Authentic gratitude emerges from the depths of our Being and so it carries a lot of power. Therefore gratitude is not a feeling as much as a natural state of our Being. When we consciously center our attention on gratitude, we align with our natural state and a cascade of positive manifestations unfolds in our lives. The suggestion here is simple yet transformative: focus on gratitude for the seemingly insignificant moments—your next breath, the way a piece of music brings up a good feeling in the body, a blooming flower, a nourishing meal, good health, the company of loved ones, the feeling of safety and well-being; and also notice and appreciate what you do not have in your life, like illness, danger, poverty, and toxic relationships.
These are often taken for granted, yet they form the backdrop of our well-being. As you practice with these seemingly trivial elements, watch how your gratitude momentum grows. Size or significance matters less than using these aspects as gateways to build momentum of experiencing our natural state of gratitude. Conversely, dwelling on what's lacking or failing to appreciate what is good in your life creates barriers to the flow of goodness. Lack of appreciation is not passive. Focusing on what is wrong or on what is missing, in a very practical sense, will grow more lack in your life! It is also programming your brain to look for more of the same.
Whatever you appreciate appreciates. As creators we have choice. The choice to appreciate or not always lies within us.
Dr. Larry Dorsey, in his exploration of prayer in the book Healing Words, underscores the potency of gratitude, especially when directed toward things not yet seen. The idea is rooted in our ability to generate feelings irrespective of external circumstances. Deep gratitude, he suggests, feels far more enriching and produces better results than the lack-oriented thoughts that the mind often fixates on.
A practical and straightforward method to infuse gratitude into your daily life is to maintain a gratitude journal. Ending or starting each day by jotting down a few things you're thankful for entrains the brain to focus on goodness and what is right. You then create more of the same.
In essence, whatever you appreciate truly appreciates. Don't just take my word for it—put it to the test and witness the transformative power of gratitude in your own life. Let me know how it goes. 🕉