Kia ora koutou

Dear fellow travellers

 A few things for us to think about as we start this year…

The obesigenic (tending to cause obesity) environment is buttressed (any prop or support) by a voracious marketing industry constantly scheming up novel ways of making us want and consume things. And we are all vulnerable to being brainwashed to think that unless we’re regularly buying and consuming new things we are missing out on true enjoyment in life.

Fortunately this is a false nightmare; enjoyment of life can begin and deepen without spending a cent, consuming another calorie, or losing another kilogram. It can start happening today.

Being thankful is one of the fundamental ways of achieving greater contentment and enjoyment of life, and we are surrounded by simple things to be thankful for.

Being thankful needs focus though. A good place to start is to focus on those things we can easily take for granted (until we’ve lost them) – our families, our friends, our existing health, or just being able to take long deep breaths in and out, whenever we want to.

An excellent health ritual is to spend a little time each day reflecting and actively being thankful for specific things; and no matter how bad the day has gone, there is always something we can be thankful for.

– a pleasant conversation with someone

– comfortable surroundings

– being able to go for a walk

– something helpful we read

– a positive telephone conversation

– having a bath

– going for a swim

– smiles on people’s faces

– feeling hopeful.

Practising being thankful for simple things can lead to enjoying every moment of our lives.