Happy Fall Y'all!

What joy to celebrate Gratitude Season with all of you!

If you read November's Newsletter, you already have a bit of brain science. But if not, here is a brief catch-up:

Things that fire together, wire together:

The neurons in our brains communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals (synapses). When neurons fire together, the connection strengthens. The more we practice (or dwell on) something, the stronger that connection becomes. After practice and repetition, we can connect to the "thing" we have been practicing or dwelling on much easier and quicker!

Happy Hormones:

"When we express gratitude and receive the same, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for our emotions, and they make us feel ‘good’. They enhance our mood immediately, making us feel happy from the inside.

Those who practice gratitude experience more positive emotions and thoughts, are more awake and aware, and have increased self-satisfaction!" (https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/)

Benefits of Gratitude on our Wellbeing:

Since they receive the "feel good" chemicals (rather than the stress hormone cortisol), they are more likely to have stronger immune systems, fewer bodily aches and pains, better blood pressure and cardiovascular functionality, and improved circadian rhythms.

These gratitude practicing people are also more likely to have strong connections with others and practice empathy in these connections!

This hilarious video is one of my favorites! AND - there is real science behind our happiness!

I would like to take this season to share some Gratitude and Happiness practices to help our brains scan for God's blessings, provisions, and love. Perhaps you can check in with yourself to see how you feel right now before we launch this personal experiment. Where are your thoughts and emotions? How does your body feel? Maybe you can journal a bit before we get started.

Are you ready?

Here we go!

Add some PLAYFULNESS & WHIMSY to exercise!

Remember this fun from last fall?! Grab a pumpkin instead of a block!

You can add playfulness and whimsy to anything: play with your kids in the leaves, make fall-shaped cookies, or use items from nature in your decorating. See how you feel after you've engaged in the fun. Perhaps this could be one of your 3 gratitude items for the day!

Meditate, Meditate, Meditate:

Meditation has incredible benefits for the brain, heart, and body! I took my practice outside to connect to nature. Maybe add a blanket or hold a pumpkin or pinecone—connect to your senses in the present moment. My favorite FREE Apps for Guided Meditation are On Point: Direction for Life (for Android, for iOS) and One Minute Pause.

Practice Random (Conscious) Acts of Kindness:

Shawn suggests writing an email or sending a text message to tell someone how much they mean to you. You can also try little missions of joy and gratitude this season! Bake a pie and take it to a neighbor. Invite someone who doesn't like crowds for a quiet night at the firepit or a cup of coffee on the porch. Buy a bag of tiny pumpkins, write encouraging words on them, and then hand them out to people. Sweep the leaves from your elderly neighbor's sidewalk. They might come out to visit - that's an added joy!

Want more prompts? Here are gratitude prompts for each day until Thanksgiving:

I hope you have a beautiful and life-giving Gratitude Season!

Grace & Shalom,

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