Do you know there’s a fascinating biological difference between…
…THINKING grateful thoughts and FEELING gratitude in our hearts?!
Let do a quick joy experiment!
Try expressing gratitude from the mind.
Now, try taking a deep breath and expressing gratitude from the heart.
Feel the difference?
Here’s the groovy science…
When we are simply thinking grateful thoughts (which, of course, is still wonderful and encouraged!),
gratitude lives primarily in the cognitive parts of the brain connected to reflection, meaning-making, and perspective.
Again, this is still so helpful!
However, to have a deeper, richer, and more FELT experience, it’s so powerful to let our hearts swell with appreciation.
When we do?!
>> It is much more effective at reducing stress,
turns on the parasympathetic nervous system (which creates feelings of greater safety and calm throughout the body),
and gives a significantly bigger boost of positive and supportive hormones and chemicals (like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin).
The words you express might be nearly identical, but it will feel different in your body.
And if it’s heartfelt appreciation you express to someone else, they will feel the difference too.
Sending appreciation to YOU, sweet friends, for being in this community.
Also, I’d love to hear! Can you feel the difference between gratitude from the heart vs intellect too?!
May moments of heart-centered appreciation fill your week and give you boosts of peace and joy you can feel!
Sending so much love and abundant blessings,
