I recently heard a TED Talk on NPR about the power of appreciation. There are research studies done that give data about the power of appreciation and gratitude and that may convince those who question whether it’s worth it to express appreciation. I don’t need data. I can simply go out an prove it. But the studies and the data exist.

Appreciation and Gratitude come from a place of love, not from “trying to get something” or “fear.” So get your heart in that place and see what shifts.

Even if it’s temporary, appreciation can interrupt depression and anxiety. I’ve interrupted clients who were caught in a thought-wheel of negativity about someone or something, to ask them “what do you love about that person?” or “What has been the gift in this situation?” or “How long would your friend want you to mourn her death?” Appreciation not only interrupts negativity, but actually changes your emotional state!  Do it often enough, and it will become your default practice!

Today, I made a decision to be in appreciation. I stopped for bagels and schmeer to take to my mom’s. I thanked the staff at the bagel shop. At my mom’s, I told her some stories that would hopefully uplift her. I took care of some things for her. I appreciated her for how healthy she is, and how much improvement she’s made since her hip replacement. I told her “I love you,” as I always do, but not out of habit.

Then I went to the print shop, where I told the women working there how much I appreciate their shop – that’s there’s another one closer to my house, but I like their friendly service and their ability to problem solve just about any office-type service I need. I love that I can get several things done in one stop.

I needed gas on the way home. In Oregon, it’s illegal to pump your own gas, so there’s always an attendant. Today it’s a rainy Sunday in Portland, and the attendant came right up. She asked what I needed, and I told her. I also gave her some cash as a tip and told her, “I appreciate you standing out on a rainy day, pumping my gas.” We then had a friendly little chat – not long, there were others waiting.

Hey, I know that each of these people I interacted with felt appreciated and noticed. But more importantly, I felt great. It turns out, you can’t appreciate someone and feel bad simultaneously. So, gratitude and appreciation also improve your health and well-being. Try doing a round of “Tapping for Body Appreciation” every day for 7 days, and notice your health improve.

Use this script or adapt your own. If you are unfamiliar with Tapping, go here to watch my “Tapping Basics” video.

Tapping for Physical Health:
Tapping around the points, beginning at the top of the head:

(Top of head) Thank you body,
(Inner eyebrow) For keeping my heart beating
(Outer eye) And thank you body,
(Under eye) For keeping my lungs breathing
(Under nose) And for all the millions of things you do
(Chin) to keep me alive and healthy
(Collarbone)  I could never keep track of it all
(Underarm) You are totally amazing, body!

(Top of head) Thank you body,
(Inner eyebrow) For maintaining my vibrant health
(Outer eye) For balancing my hormones
(Under eye) For regulating my blood pressure
(Under nose) Thank you body for craving healthy foods
(Chin) And for maintaining my ideal weight
(Collarbone) I’m learning to listen to you, body
(Underarm) And to respond to your needs

(Top of head) I’m paying better attention, body
(Inner eyebrow) To the messages you give me
(Outer eye) I’ve taken you for granted
(Under eye) But now I see things differently
(Under nose) Thank you body for supporting me
(Chin) And for carrying me through life
(Collarbone) I really do appreciate you, body
(Underarm) I want us both to be happy, body, mind, and spirit!

Take a deep breath. Really feel your body, your cells, your muscles. Feel into the appreciation for everything your body does for you. You can always add to these Tapping rounds with things that are specific to you. If you’re sick, thank your body for creating wellness. If you’re in pain, thank your body for alleviating the pain. Thank your body for what you want, as if you already have it. Tap while you say these appreciations. Do this every day and notice how your body responds.

So let’s have an Appreciation & Gratitude Challenge of our own. Start today, right now. Make a decision to find something to appreciate in every interaction. Grow your “gratitude habit” by finding something to appreciate whenever you’re alone. Do it for a day, a week, a month, a year. Become a person who is known for attracting all sorts of wonderful things to you. Practice feeling gratitude EVEN (or especially) when you’re having a rough time. And notice how much more quickly you begin to feel better. Please share your results and comments below!