Wellbeing

Emma Cannon: Giving Thanks

Our columnist talks about the comfort of gratitude in a changing world

Christmas this year is likely to be a time of reflection; there is much to absorb about our changing world and our changing lives. Since we watched in relative denial as Wuhan went into lockdown a year ago, most of us reassured ourselves that this could never happen to us. How wrong we were. During the past nine months most people’s lives have changed so much. There have been many losses: lives; liberty; livelihood and to some extent, laughter. But during these hard times it is more important than ever to adopt an attitude of gratitude and appreciation.

In Chinese medicine this is the work of the Heart energy and gratitude is an important function to help develop stronger heart capacity and connection. I have struggled with Christmas for many years; I love the connection and the slowing down and getting cosy, but I struggle with consumerism, waste and pressure.

This Christmas my focus will be on quality, simplicity and most of all gratitude. Gratitude is part of my FERTILE thinking method, the ability to focus on all the gifts we have and not to focus on our losses. When we focus on these things we will immediately connect to the heart and will feel soothed, safe and held.

Exercise 1

Place your left hand on your heart or just in the centre of your chest directly between your breasts.
Place your right hand on your womb or just underneath your belly button.
Breathe deeply, in and out, between these two energetic centres.
Now think of the things you are grateful for: love; relationship; security; food; water; warmth whatever it is, bring it to mind.
Now bring that gratitude into your heart and give thanks.
Observe the peace that arises in you; this is likely to trigger a release of endorphins and dopamine which tell the body that it is safe and secure.

Exercise 2

Get a large jar and some paper and invite everyone present to write what they are grateful for on the paper.
Place the paper in the jar and continue this exercise throughout the Christmas period and throughout the year if you wish.
In a year’s time or on a day when you need reminding, get together and read the gratitude notes.

Creating a sense of safety for ourselves is more important now than ever before. May your hearts be filled with gratitude this Christmas

Emma Cannon is an integrated women’s health expert, registered acupuncturist and author. Check out more of Emma’s fantastic work at emmacannon.co.uk