First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

filed in Daily Life

Gratitude in the Morning

January 18, 2011 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

When heart-palpitating anxiety grips, it’s often first thing in the morning, before my brain is fully awake. At this groggy moment, I force my attention to gratitude. I pilfered this practice from a 16th century prayer that observant Jews say when they wake up. (Modeh ani – meaning, I give thanks.) Remembering what’s good in my life is a handy way to stop negative thoughts cold in their tracks. There’s my goose down comforter, the early sunlight peaking through wooden blinds, two gorgeous photographs in my direct line of vision, taken by a very talented friend, and the purring cat and sleepy dog, sandwiching me in, lovingly and tight. What are your first thoughts?

Contest’s 2nd round. Please vote.

Image: Sunrise by Christopher Gray

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