November is the time of year when many of us take a moment to reflect on the many things for which we should be grateful. While the practice of gratitude is something we should embrace daily, there’s something special about pausing during this season to appreciate the blessings we often take for granted. Moreover, this is an ideal moment to contemplate the incredible capabilities of our bodies. Some of us may be afflicted with chronic pain or an injury that is keeping us from doing the things we most love. No matter what, our bodies are still doing amazing things every day, and for that, we should be grateful. Let’s explore ten incredible things your body does that deserve applause and respect.
1. Your Ever-Present Beating Heart
Your amazing heart is pumping blood throughout your body, every second of every day, at a rate of about 35 million times each year. That in and of itself deserves a standing ovation.
2. The Gift of Breath
Your lungs allow your body to take in air, which is critical for life. Tiny cilia within your lungs act as nature’s air purifiers, filtering out particles to help keep your lungs clean and functioning properly. With an average of 16 breaths per minute, that amounts to around 8.5 million breaths every year. Take a deep breath in and then let it out in celebration of your lungs.
3. The Power of Your Mind
Your functioning brain is a marvel. It enables you to think, reason, problem-solve, love, and grieve. At the end of a long day, you may love your bed, but your bed will never love you back because it is without a brain. Cheers to the extraordinary capabilities of your brain!
4. Mighty Muscles
With more than 600 muscles in your body, they do more than just help you pump iron. Muscles are the only tissue in the body that can contract, enabling you to move various parts of your body, from the beating of your heart to reaching for the things you desire. They empower you to dress, prepare food, and drive a car. While we might wish for six-pack abs, we should be grateful for the muscles we have, no matter their shape.
5. The Foundation of Bones and Joints
Without bones and joints, you’d be, quite literally, a shapeless blob. Bones and joints provide the structural framework for your body and enable movement, a blessing in itself. Anyone who’s experienced a movement-impairing injury can attest to the value of these critical components. So, give yourself a pat on the back, an act made possible by your bones and joints!
6. The Guardian Immune System
As we enter a season when illnesses tend to spread, let’s be thankful for our immune system. While we may fall ill from time to time, our immune system is our protector that facilitates healing and recovery.
7. Savoring Taste
Celebrate your taste buds, each containing 50-100 taste receptor cells making each meal a blessing. The ability to savor sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami (considered savory or meaty) flavors is a wonder. When you sit down to eat, close your eyes for a moment when you take your first bite to give your food and taste buds the full attention and respect they deserve.
8. The Gift of Sight
Your eyes allow you to behold the world around you. Central Oregon, in particular, boasts some of the most awe-inspiring sights. Without your eyes, you’d need to rely on your other senses to appreciate their beauty. So, celebrate the gift of vision.
9. The Shield of Skin
Imagine life without skin! Your skin is your body’s largest organ, providing protection from the elements and helping regulate your temperature. It also allows you to experience different sensations, from touch to heat and cold. Next time you step outside and feel the cool air on your skin, give thanks for the protection it offers.
10. Embrace Your Arms
Your arms enable you to hug loved ones, drive a car, hold a cup of coffee, put on your shoes, and walk the dog. They provide balance when you navigate uneven terrain. Give someone a high five and give thanks for the incredible utility of your arms.
This November, let’s not only reflect on our blessings but also take a moment to appreciate the magnificent workings of our bodies, reminding ourselves that gratitude should be a year-round practice.