Dealing with depression as I often do, it can sometimes be a challenge to think about all the things for which I should be grateful. Things that if I were in a better mood I would recognize as being true blessings. A remedy for that is keeping a gratitude journal.
A gratitude journal is simply a journal in which you keep track of five to ten things you are grateful for the day. Some days, when the depression is heavy, that can be a real challenge. However, one thing I have found is that when you do take the time to reflect upon those things for which you are grateful, things start to get a little better.
Dan Baker in his book, What Happy People Know, shares that "the brain cannot be in a state of appreciation and a state of fear at the same time. The two states may alternate, but are mutually exclusive."
Can depression be the same as fear—diminished in a state of gratitude?
Keeping a gratitude journal will eradicate the state of depression. You'll notice that Baker says the two states—of appreciation and fear—may alternate.
However, during the time in which you are reflecting upon your blessings, that heavy shroud of doom and gloom is lifted momentarily. There is a respite and a time for healing.
Henry Miller, known for his semi-autobiographical novels, pointed out, "The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself." Reflecting on our blessings does that it brings to mind another dimension.
That is one of the things I appreciate about creating art. I have gained a new appreciation for things I once thought commonplace and mundane by taking the time to really look at something and seeing it for what it is.
Leonardo da Vinci, who I revere for his aptitude in a variety of fields (a real Renaissance man), encouraged "Develop your senses- especially learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else."
He also said, "There are three classes of people: those who see. Those who see when they are shown. Those who do not see." Taking the time to reflect upon our blessings develops the skill of seeing the bounty before us.
So, stop, take a few minutes, and reflect upon the blessings you have received today. Keep track of them in a journal. Feel free to share in the comments below.
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