Gratitude is one of the most fundamental elements of shamanism. Being thankful gives us an appreciation for all the good things in our lives and helps us focus on what we have rather than what we don’t have.  

This simple change in perception can have a remarkable effect on our wellbeing. Research has shown that practicing gratitude on a regular basis can lower our cortisol (stress) levels by up to 23%, which not only enhances our mental health but our physical health too.  

I was listening to the lyrics of a Sheryl Crow song on the radio a few days ago and this line resonated with me in a big way… “happiness isn’t getting what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got.”  This fundamental shift in focus really can remove negative thought patterns and emanate joy and happiness in our lives.   

All it takes is a few deep breaths to quiet the mind, then speak out loud the things you are grateful for in the present moment; thank you for the beautiful trees outside my window, thank you for my daughter telling me she loved me today, thank you for the sand between my toes. It can be absolutely anything and quite often the simpler they are, the better they make us feel.  

I’ll leave you with an excerpt from the first book I ever read about shamanic healing (A Little bit of Shamanism by Ana Campos).  

“We should never believe that we are owed anything by the earth, by nature, or by our helping spirits. Everything they provide us is something to be profoundly thankful for; and the more we understand this, the more we can start to see the abundance in our lives.” 

I am truly grateful for this book crossing my path as it’s where my shamanic journey began!