As the holiday
seasons seems to be descending upon us at a rapid rate, and Thanksgiving just
two weeks away, what better time to prepare for the day we give thanks by
learning about the Tree Blessings Practice.
Martin Seligman, the father of the positive
psychology movement, suggests practicing the “Three Blessings” exercise to
increase happiness. "Every night for the next week, set aside ten
minutes before you go to sleep. Write
down three things that went well today and why they went well. You may
use a journal or your computer to write about the events, but it is important
that you have a physical record of what you wrote. Next to each positive
event, answer the question "Why
did this happen?"
Today’s take a break includes the following:
• Learn more about the Three Blessings
Exercise by watching Seligman’s video.
• Figure out a space in your home where you can
sit for 10 minutes to work on this exercise. You might want to make this a calm
space, with plenty of light, flowers, comfortable chair or whatever else that
strikes your fancy. It could be in your bedroom or another place in the house
or yard.
• Collect pens, pencils, and all sorts of
other inspiring items to encourage you to make this Blessings journal unique to
you. Try not to use an electronic device for this project as handwriting
switches on a different part of the brain that engages the brain more deeply
than typing. The act of writing helps to clarify your thoughts and remember
things better.
• Tonight, just before you go to bed, write
down three blessings that occurred during the day. These can be as simple as
seeing a beautiful flower. This practice helps you to reorient your brain to
think positively instead of focusing on the negative aspects, which our brains
have a natural tendency to do.
No comments:
Post a Comment