For instance, while feeling
depressed, one’s attention is
focused on something that occurred in the
past. In that moment, thinking about
anything that one can be thankful for
right now brings our attention instantly
to the highest possibility of the now.
This immediately uplifts our
spirit.
Likewise, one who feels anxious is
focused on a concern for the future.
Thinking of something to be grateful for in
that moment then transforms that anxiety
into a feeling of appreciation, releasing
the anxiety and elevating the emotional
state. Miraculous!
Most negative emotions are in fact
triggered by a memory of something that
occurred in the past causing an outsized
reaction to whatever is happening right
now. So, having the awareness and
discipline to take a deep breath and call
up a reason to be grateful breaks the
trance of the trigger. Then, whatever is
happening right now is just what is
happening now, nothing more.
