August 2010
One Day at a Time!
Welcome to Innisfree... this is Dorothy!
This month, let me start by asking you some questions:
- How do you begin and end each day?
- Are you aware of the thoughts you think as you awaken each morning, and again as you turn off your light last thing at night?
- Are they conscious thoughts?
My practice, even before I'm fully awake is to say "thank you"... for a brand new day, for a good sleep; and at night, after putting aside my book and turning off the light, also to say "thank you"... for the day, for whatever it brought.
The value of this practice was reinforced in a recent online newsletter that I receive. It is by Dr. Rick Hanson, a neuropsychologist and founder of the Wellspring Institute, entitled, JOT, J-O-T, for "Just One Thing". Should you wish to subscribe, which I really do recommend, his website is www.rickhanson.net. His weekly message, which is free, contains just one small practice that repeated each day can produce a cumulative positive effect, resulting in greater joy, health, and peace of mind.
His recent message suggested starting and ending each day by thinking of 1 - 5 things for which you feel grateful. These are YOUR personal thoughts. They might include a special visit with someone, a piece of music that 'spoke' to your heart, the smell of a flower, or a personal commitment you honoured. Perhaps you had a warm exchange with someone in an elevator. I recently heard someone in an interview suggest we make an elevator ride a social occasion. Well, I experimented with this yesterday and had two wonderful chats.
I do hope you will try these suggestions, just one day at a time! So, happy thoughts. Have a beautiful August, enjoy our summer.
Until next time... this is Dorothy... Namasté.
Dorothy B.
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Rev. Dorothy Blandford, Ph.D
Apt. 202 - 1655 Martin Drive
Surrey, BC, V4A 6E1, Canada
604-535-9016
info@innisfreespirit.com