I don’t know about you, but I really love this time of year! There is an excitement that begins to well up in me as the days turn warmer and the sun hangs around longer. And seeing that first cluster of daffodils on the side of the road is like a billboard proclaiming, “YOU MADE IT!” That pop of bright green and yellow against the backdrop of brown is so refreshing to both my eyes and soul.
The other day when I flipped the little inspirational calendar that I keep on my kitchen counter, I was reminded of Ecclesiastes 3… which contains some verses in the Old Testament about how there is a time and a season for everything.
When I read that there is “a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted,” it got me thinking… in this season, is there anything in my life needs to be planted or uprooted?
The past few years have been mostly seasons of uprooting for me personally. Things like resentment, perfectionism and unrealistic expectations of myself and others needed to be plucked up. They are unhealthy sins and behaviors that I am prone to, and they were hampering my ability to bear fruit. Much like this daylily plant in my backyard, I needed to pull away what was impeding my health and growth.
But in this season, I am sensing that it is “a time to plant.” I specifically feel led to sow more seeds to gratitude in my life. I got myself a gratitude journal and plan to begin using it daily. This will no doubt be something that is easier said than done, as I am someone who is very accustomed to viewing the world through the lens of negativity. I have a feeling that is something I will continually be needing to uproot as it’s weeds pop up. But I’m hoping that gratitude will also serve as a good weed killer!
Did you know that gratitude actually changes the neural pathways in your brain? What we put our attention on grows and strengthens that particular pathway. When we are used to thinking negative thoughts all the time and seeing everything that is wrong, those paths become deep and well traveled. Our brains automatically go that way because they are used to going that way. But when we change our focus and attention to what is good and all the blessings, we begin to create new pathways. It isn’t easy and takes some effort, but the more we take that route, the more natural it becomes to go that way. New pathways are formed!
Gratitude (both expressed and received) has also been shown to increase dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin levels in the brain. These are considered “feel good” hormones and low levels are associated with all kinds of issues, such as depression. An increase in these happy hormones also decreases the stress hormone, cortisol. Because of these hormone fluctuations in the body, grateful people tend to have less aches and pains, sleep better, exercise more and overall take better care of themselves.
This is yet another example of how the various the parts of us are connected! The mental, emotional and spiritual practice of gratitude has proven physical effects and benefits.
What about you? Is there anything in your life that needs to be planted or uprooted? As you think about planting flowers and cleaning up landscaping, I hope you’ll spend some time tending the garden of your soul as well this spring!
Although I am a nurse by trade, I am not a doctor or an expert, and the information I provide on this blog is for educational purposes only. Each person is unique and their needs and circumstances vary, so I always recommend that you consult your medical provider before making any changes.
love this reminder of what needs to be planted or uprooted… also never knew gratitude could actually rewire our brains!
This is a great reminder! I love how you continue to show the ways our mental, physical, and spiritual health are connected!