I experienced a very powerful workshop in Belfast this last weekend where we explored the notion of Harvest and Gratitude.
” To say we feel grateful is not to say that everything in our lives is necessarily great. It just means we are aware of our blessings.“ (Robert Emmons) was the underlying theme of our time together.
There is some very interesting scientific research on the impact of Gratitude on our well being from two psychologists Micheal Mc Cullough of Southern University in Dallas Texas and Robert Emmons of the University of California at Davis. The results of their studies are showing that regular practice of gratitude results in less depression and stress, fitness levels improve, and there is more enthusiasm,optimism, and energy for life.
I can say that these attributes were openly displayed with the dance on Saturday and Sunday. The whole atmosphere within the group was of spacious generosity. Again confirming for me the ways that the 5 rhythms allow us to let the warm , generous, spacious parts of ourselves to be revealed each time we dance with mindful attention. They also gives us the courage to have compassion for the parts of us that are closed, mean and hurt. Having permission to feel deep gratitude for all of our being is a truly healing experience.