I opened my new refrigerator, reached inside without thinking, pulled out the perfect eggplant, shiny and black and ready to become my meal. And then I stopped, overwhelmed with gratitude.; for everyone involved in getting that eggplant into my hand, for my sexy refrigerator, for my hand, which opens and closes on command. The emotion suffused me, like being washed from the inside, with something that fills and softens one.

I wondered if the intuitive phrasing in our language understands more about gratitude than science has been able to explain (although there are plenty of studies showing the benefits). We say we are “filled with gratitude” as if there was a substance pouring into us. “Her heart swelled in gratitude.” “They bowed their head in gratitude.” If gratitude is a chemical that can soften the heart and open the mind, can it go the other way? If I assume a posture of gratitude, can gratitude appear?

Moshe Feldenkrais said that how we move, is how we move through life. What if every day, I spent a moment moving towards gratitude? Here’s an experiment:

Extend your arms horizontally to the sides of yourself. They don’t have to be straight, and if horizontal is too high, seek your comfort level. Turn your palms up to the sky and look up. Breathe. Slowly reverse the movement. As you turn your hands to face the ground, let your whole arm turn. Repeat this movement, let your spine follow, arching your back slightly as you look up, round as you look down. Inhale and exhale where it feels good. You can even mix up the movement, having your arms move opposite your head and spine. Hang out in the different postures. Sense your breath. Notice what you feel. And if you are having a day when gratitude seems elusive, try this movement a few times. See if your perspective changes.

I’d love to hear your comments on this experiment. And thank you all for reading my posts and helping me learn. Happy Thanksgiving!