What do we mean by “The weight of the world?”
We hear about the weight of the world and we frequently think of the numbers on the scales, the BMI, or the health issues impacted by one’s weight. However, there is another weight of the world and that is when we feel like everything is weighing in on our shoulders. Whether we are responsible or not, it may seem that we are negatively impacted by every single issue that the modern world is faced with.
At times, the weight of the world on ones’ shoulders can seem way too heavy for anyone of us to carry. So, what can we do about it? Well, we may not be able to change the weight of the world but we may be able to change the way we view it. The lens that we use to view the world has enormous impact on how we physically, spiritually and psychologically experience our life.
Practicing gratitude can be one positive, impactful way of living a healthier life. By practicing gratitude, we need to be grateful for the positive things in our lives. Some individuals have suggested that gratitude is viewing life as a gift that has been given to each of us and exploring how this gift impacts us.
Some suggested ways to practice gratitude is:
Keeping a gratitude journal of thankful moments throughout the day.
Doing kind things for others, paying it forward.
Giving thanks through prayer.
Meditating on what one is grateful for.
Noticing the small things around you such as the fall leaves turning color.
Letting someone know you’re grateful for having them in your life. You may even want to thank them for something that they have contributed to your life's experience.
Volunteering to assist others.
Some of the benefits of practicing gratitude include:
Improves forming and strengthening relationships.
Strengthens the immune system.
Can ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Increases a sense of optimism and cultivates an optimistic outlook.
Developing and strengthening an attitude of gratitude can enhance our life view and increase our overall health in so many ways.
Key Takeaways
Our view of the world has a major impact on how we experience it.
Gratitude is a conscious positive emotion.
Gratitude, from the Latin word “gratus”, meaning pleasing or thankful.
Best Practices
Acknowledge someone else’s positive gesture to you.
Daily, think of three things that you are grateful for.
Notice the good deeds of others.
Things to Limit
Trying too hard to being magnanimous.
Finding comfort in being the “negative guru”.
Thinking that practicing gratitude is fluffy and has no merit.
Quote of the Week
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them”.
~ John F. Kennedy
Gratitude is a magnificent emotion to cultivate. It takes practice and patience and holds great rewards for the world.
Be well,
The paraDocs
Image by Joshua Sortino on Unsplash
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The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P and Chief Academic Officer and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD, RDN, CDN, Chief Nutrition Officer, at SpNOD, Health Promotion Specialist, Research and Clinical Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former Assistant Professor.
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