By: Janet Mortinsen
The theme for the May wholeness health is gratitude and care. The benefits of practicing gratitude have been documented. It appears that gratitude lessens depression and anxiety, relieves stress and improves sleep. Here are some ideas to help practice gratitude and care in whole body health.
Mind: Reflect on nurturing influences in your life
Learn a new hobby or skill
As Mother’s Day is in May, it can be a wonderful time to take the opportunity to express gratitude for all those who have extended nurturing care. I have been touched by many people who have made the effort to extend care to me. It feels right to acknowledge and voice my appreciation.
Learning a new skill is care for our minds. A few years ago, I started quilting which believe me was the last thing I thought I would ever do. Sewing on a button was the extent of sewing for me. I have surprised myself that hand embroidery and piecing a quilt has brought not only a sense of accomplishment but also a sense of grounding.
Body: Try a new fruit or vegetable
Move your body outdoors
When my son, Peter, was little, I admired his willingness to try new foods. While shopping in the fruit and vegetable section, he would see something unfamiliar and point to it. He would ask if he had eaten it and if not, could we try it. He didn’t always like it, but it was a wonderful opportunity for the family to try something new. And often it did result in a new side dish.
May and warmer weather (okay maybe this year it wasn’t necessary to wait until May) are the perfect opportunity to enjoy being outdoors and doing something healthy. Walking, golfing, hiking…there are so many possibilities. I look at it as the chance to be grateful for nature and the ability to move our bodies in it as well.
Spirit: Greet someone new at church
Listen to Christian music
In a larger church, we often recognize faces or we are uncertain whether someone is new or not. A simple greeting stating your name and saying something like, “It’s good to see you today” can be a way to forge a new relationship or allow someone to feel welcome.
I enjoy listening to a variety of music and we are certainly blessed by music here at Bethany. Perhaps you have a favorite station. If not, may I suggest the Bethany app in which choir/musical group anthems are available from a variety of groups.
I hope that these suggestions for May bring some ideas for gratitude and care. There are many different vehicles that can attend to whole person care.
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