As we all know, Japan has recently experienced a tsunami that has caused thousands of deaths. The tsunami has destroyed many homes and lives. In several areas of Japan, people are at risk of inhaling toxic fumes from a nuclear plant.
I saw a video on CNN yesterday where people from Japan, were saying “Thank You for praying for Japan.”
When I saw the video, I thought that in the mist of destruction or pain, it is important to pray and express gratitude. As a result of the 911 attack, people who were more gratitude focused experienced fewer depression symptoms.
By examining people’s emotional responses to the September 11th, Fredrickson et al. (2003) suggests that positive emotions are critical elements in resilience and as a mediator that buffer people from depression after the crises. Moreover, high resilient people were more likely to notice positive meanings within the problems they faced (e.g., felt grateful to be alive), endured fewer depressive symptoms, and experienced more positive emotions than low resilient people after terrorism attacks (Fredrickson et al., 2003).
Now, as things keep changing on the Earth, seemingly more and more devastation around the world, take time to focus your mind on gratitude and take time to pray for others. Often times, people have thoughts of sadness, dis-ease and lack as a result of seeing so much tragedy going on around the world. This is natural. However, during these times, it is important not to focus your thoughts on lack and dis-ease. Focus your thoughts on creating and attracting peace within your life and others around the world. Think about how Japan can move to a wondrous place. Know that there is a higher plan for all people and know that you may not know the interworking of things. Don’t focus on the immediate outcomes, just focus on wanting and feeling the best for others and yourself.
No matter your beliefs, know that we all have something in common. That is, our ability to love and support. Through love, we all have the ability to support each other through our thoughts, words, actions and deeds. So take time today to say a quick pray for all those in Japan who may be experience hardships and others all over the world. Know that they are supported and loved by a higher source greater.
This video shows people in Japan simply saying, Thank You for praying for Japan. Changing your thoughts, focusing on prayer and gratitude, can make a world of a difference.
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-571728
Fredrickson, B. L., Tugade, M. M., Waugh, C. E., & Larkin, G.. R. (2003). What good are positive emotions in crises? A prospective study of resilience and emotions following the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2002.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 365-376.