Have you ever sent a quick and heart-felt mental blessing to someone in need? Did you know that according to your biology, you’ve helped them AND you? Sometimes, sending a blessing is a spontaneous act borne from compassion. I encourage you to read on to discover why (and how) to share more fibromyalgia and chronic illness benefits by increasing the spontaneity and making this a daily practice.
Gratitude and Blessings
I’m sure you’ve heard about all the scientific research studies on the subject of gratitude. I’ve written about this subject many times. Feelings of gratitude send a cascade of hormonal messages to the body that all is okay with the world.
There are other benefits, too.
Just to name a few, gratitude improves physical health (who can’t use more of that?), helps to foster a sense of empathy, bolsters self-esteem, supports deeper and more restorative sleep, and reinforces mental strength including resilience and stamina.[1]
So, how do we bring more gratitude into our lives?
There are dozens of gratitude practices (including journals), but one way you may not have considered is to send a blessing.
The Biology of Blessings
As I mentioned, sending a blessing benefits both the bless-or and the bless-ee. It has a transformational effect on both you and the recipient. It produces good feelings of love, joy, appreciation, hope, positivity, compassion, and sympathy.
Gratitude and blessings are often referred to as energy tools because they help us to shift our energy from something less helpful (such as frustration, worry, sadness, annoyance, or anger) to something better. Something lighter.
Challenge yourself. See if you can send a mental blessing to everyone you meet and for every circumstance you experience.
Blessing Ideas
The opportunities to send blessings are limitless. And, the more you practice using this powerful tool, the more likely you’ll remember to use it.
Do you worry about your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers? Send them blessings such as:
May you find peace in your relationships
May you experience abundant health
May you feel blessed today.
May you feel loved today.
May you feel strengthened and whole today.
Notice how many circumstances can come to your attention. The delivery driver looks frazzled. The grocery store clerk looks overworked and on auto-pilot. Your kids or grands are bickering or picking on each other more than usual.
It’s a simple two-step process.
First, dial in your noticing and awareness factor. Make it a point to see what’s going on in the world around you. Just as important, make it a point to notice when you are feeling frazzled, distracted, frustrated, or down.
Next, send someone else a quick blessing for what you think they could use at the time. It doesn’t always have to be different. You can send blessings of love, peace, and comfort to everyone you meet if that feels good to you.
Notice how sending a blessing is more likely to spur you into action. You may feel more likely to lend a helping hand or ask supportive and encouraging questions.
Come up with your own ideas. Write them down and share them with others.
More Benefits of Blessings and Gratitude
Want fewer headaches, tummy troubles, and respiratory infections? How ‘bout less pain for those with chronic health challenges? Would you like to experience less stress and more happiness?[2]
Amp up the benefits of gratitude by sharing blessings today. And be sure to let me know how it goes!
To read more on the neuroscience and biology of the benefits of gratitude, be sure to read the articles mentioned in the footnotes.
[1] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201504/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-gratitude#
[2] https://foodrevolution.org/blog/thanksgiving-healthy-gratitude/
