As the holidays grow near, we are often encouraged to be “thankful.” Although the two often go hand in hand, thankful and happy are two distinctly different concepts. Dictionary.com defines thankful as “feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative” and happy as “delighted, pleased, or glad.” So how can you be appreciative, thankful, when you’re ill, or lonely, or in dire financial straits? Again, we turn to the wisdom of Thích Nhất Hạnh.  As described by the publisher, You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present is “Based on a retreat that Thích Nhất Hạnh led for Westerners, this book offers a range of simple, effective practices for cultivating mindfulness, including awareness of breathing and walking, deep listening, and skillful speech. You Are Here also offers guidance on healing emotional pain and manifesting real love and compassion in our relationships with others.” I highly recommend that you read this book to learn (ore review) practical, doable techniques that will allow you to be appreciative of the life you are currently living, despite the challenges you’re experiencing.

Disclaimer: This blog is not designed to diagnose, treat, or prevent illnesses or trauma, and Dr. Emick is not responsible for your use of this educational material or its consequences. Furthermore, reading this blog does not create a doctor-patient relationship. The information contained within this blog is not intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate, or best care for any given physical or behavioral health issue, nor does it take into account the unique circumstances that define the health issues of the reader. If you have questions about the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a condition or illness, you should consult your personal health care professional. As always, consult with your personal health care professional before beginning or changing any fitness or nutrition program to make sure that it is appropriate for your needs. Dr. Emick reserves the right to modify her positions on a subject based upon new research or data as it presents.