Kiss your brain: The science of gratitude | Christina Costa | TEDxUofM

Psychology instructor and researcher Christina Costa was working on her PhD when she was referred to get an MRI and discovered a large brain tumor in her right temporal lobe that was later diagnosed as grade 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma.
In this talk, Christina connects her experience of living with brain cancer to her field of study and explains why tools of gratitude can increase our well-being and what is happening in our brains when we experience and express gratitude.
You can find Christina on Instagram @ms.christinacosta and her book ‘Kiss Your Brain’: Diagnosis Diaries can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Christina Costa is a PhD Psychology Candidate at the University of Michigan. She researches the psychology of well-being in addition to teaching undergraduate psychology and is specifically interested in well-being for teachers and the science of gratitude. Last year, Christina was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma, a rare and severe brain tumor. Christina has used gratitude as a tool to help maintain her personal well-being throughout her treatment. In her talk, Christina shares some of the lessons she has learned through her research and experience about the power of gratitude in her life, and how it can be used to change yours. She holds a B.A. and M.S. from the University of Michigan. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@brksk4309]

Most of us dont have any illness and thus take our life for granted, but shouldn't we have the most gratitude for being well. Having no gratitude is also a kind of illness.

[@susydyson1750]

engaging in gratitude will help you to discover your purpose in life

[@stacielivinthedream8510]

Amen! 🥰♥️🙏😇😊

[@traeisha]

"Loving your body doesn't have to be conditional." I love this sentiment! Well done, Christina!

[@ssanssolutions8111]

Yes . Brilliant insite

[@bobcole5424]

10:15 ❤❤❤

[@MrAlefesti]

I've realized I really do have a good life, and I'm gonna start to thank for it.

[@Ruuth.m]

The fact that i'm wearing my "kiss your brain" sweatshirt while watching this makes me feel so PROUD of you, Christina

[@tarag7292]

Where can I get one?

[@sv6958]

“Kiss Your Brain”... and there you are: she’s just impacted humanity forever ...

[@fe4000]

I'm deeply grateful I've stumbled upon this testimony on this Saturday morning. Thank you, all of you.

[@carlajoguthrie6498]

The universe is not laughing at you, but with you in joy. I can see you lifting up other s and all of us soaring through the beauty together. Thank you.

[@carleycushing7231]

Gratitude keeps my sane and joyful. After taking 80 cocodamol in an attempted suicide- i suffer with depression and bi polar. I spent a week in hospital and was told I needed a liver transplant. By some miracle I lived - and I practice gratitude all the time- it's the presents of joy

[@rona9173]

I kissed my brain for your beauty💞

[@tiffianytate7618]

Cute awww

[@sandragillespie9499]

"Kiss💋my brain🧠." I love❣this CC! What an awesome reminder to be grateful! Everyday l wake up is a wonderful opportunity to thank God for life, & for that I'm grateful 🙏🏾.

[@dogsleddinginiowa]

Such a beautiful talk. I cannot begin to imagine how much your students must love you. Thank you for all that you're doing to make this world a better place.

[@stephenbonesteel9057]

I can imagine, because I AM one of her students. Christina was one of the most impactful instructors that I have ever had. She continues to keep teaching me even now that I'm graduated through her inspiring story and outlook.

[@BobHamiltonnewradio]

It was said a long time ago.....Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. I am very grateful for your sharing of your experience. I have long seen the power of gratitude and you have helped expand it. Thank you Father for watching over this beautiful young lady.

[@pratyaya4032]

I realised that I have so many things that I never be grateful for but I should .I would try to be more positive about my problems instead of being negative about it all the time

[@edgreenberg7912]

I've been through some scary stuff recently. And I share your gratitude towards the doctors and nurses and other health-care workers. They are amazing. It took an illness for me to realize, on a deep level, that there are so many patient, loving, self-less people out there. There truly are angels among us.

[@ajones3569]

I cooked up a tumor on my prefrontal a few years ago. Why fight or fly when We can Love. Thanks for reading. I Believe in You.

[@mellowpatellow5549]

I'm Grateful that I have now watched this. what an incredible woman.

[@sebastianmartin8665]

She speaks the language we have all forgotten since we all do is work, compete, and survive… she’s just being a human. Existing, being beautiful, and appreciating beauty. Just like nature. How it was at the beginning of time

[@kennisc8902]

Beautiful messages. When we are sweating and complaining all the small stuffs, we need to think about how much gifts we received every day.

[@gr8magnet]

Absolutely beautiful story. We can never judge our situations because we may never know the lesson they are meant to teach us. Thank you for your courage and grace.

[@yitaowang8547]

Thank you KZbin for recommending this amazing talk to me, I am inspired to be more grateful now

[@kathymorales7959]

I’m a Kindergarten teacher and use “Kiss your brain” for my students. But thank you for the realization that I need it for myself also. ☺️

[@ericjennings5041]

Great topic I’m grateful for my life journey my family friends and the 42 yrs I had with my wife who died 32 days ago. I’m moving forward!

[@Isabellawrob]

I am feeling so grateful for hearing this message. Powerful and life changing. I have GAD and depression which has always felt like a battle until one day I realized that instead of seeing it as a fight against myself, I should see it as an opportunity to embrace myself with compassion and gratitude. It has made a significant difference in my life. Thank you for your sharing your story ❤

[@ranjanathakur95]

I kiss my brain❤️, thanks for this great reminder, I pray for your well being, also you are so beautiful ❤️

[@samt7hall]

Ahhhhhh, Christina you understand. You've discovered how to heal from positive energy/love created within. Why has it taken so long for this to surface in the Western world? I'm so happy for you, keep teaching the truth about our own capabilities.

[@obstressed1193]

Thank you, I guess I needed it. In our country with the increasing physical attacks on doctors and being called names and getting blamed again and again I was having second thoughts on the thing I literally loved since when I was in middle school i.e. MEDICINE But as she thanked the doctors and nurses who treated her, I realised that there are people who still understand that diseases don't always behave the way doctors want. I think I have become prey of all the fighter narrative and that is why I have become a lot more irritated and frustrated. I think I need to thank my brain for memorising all the medical jargon it had already memorised till date, I need to start gratitude journaling.

[@kimsherlock8969]

When people are desperate they put all the eggs into your basket. Communication of risk of death and explaining the limits of what you know I feel is a better way to manage HOPE Without a doubt you did what you could ?

[@sonyam3766]

Wow.. powerful! "Your body isn't a battlefield"

[@marammo355]

I will start kissing my brain and I am so proud of u been following ur TikTok since the begging love all the way from the Middle East ♥️♥️

[@ruthstarke4324]

This summed up over the past 16 months. I don't have cancer but I supports someone who does. I don't know if it's common for caregivers not to be able to relate to the 'fight' mentality but for me it felt like that wasn't something I had any control over. Like only the patient could 'fight' while I stood by and helplessly watched. But being positive and grateful is something a caregiver can do not only for themselves but also for the person who is diagnosed.

[@lindsaywait8763]

My son's kindergarten teacher uses this phrase, it was so cute to see the kids "kiss your brain" over zoom this past year. Gratitude is important! Thanks for sharing.

[@tyrajiasawyersmith8463]

I also use "kiss your brain" in the classroom! I can't wait to share the science behind it with others. That you for sharing your story so gracefully and powerfully!

[@harbanskaur5756]

Hi Tyrajia.. can you tell me do you 'Kiss your Brain' only once daily, or as often as you like? Thank you and Greetings from Malaysia :)

[@adamjeremycapps]

Gratitude thinking let's you think about the good things in life and appreciate them. It's nothing new though. They used to call it "counting your blessings."

[@elenevans4479]

I'm with you all the way. I was diagnosed with m.s. 20 years ago and, though I want friends that understand what I am going through, every m.s.y person I talk to, talks about 'fighting' this disease. I don't want to fight it, like you say: this is my body, we are in this together! I am going to work on my positivity affirmations as from today. Thanks for sharing your story :)

[@craigphillips6308]

Blessings and Light to this beautiful Soul.

[@velvetpaws999]

Love your brain.... or better, love all of yourself, and love unconditionally! Actually, there is only one true kind of Love, and it is unconditional. All else should not be called love, because it is something else. So, regardless of where we are, what we have or not have, what we do or not do, how we look and what else might seem to stand between unconditional love and our own Self.... take a deep breath, step across that obstacle and embrace yourself the way you are, right here, right now. You will find out that this is the only thing worth practicing. Everything else will flow from this one thing very naturally as you keep loving your Self unconditionally. Another word for this is also Divine Love. Just do it!

[@souleymanediarra4842]

Be Always Grateful ❤️❤️

[@needitpinit-nipi6408]

Thank you very much, Christina.

[@elizabethcunningham5197]

Christina-your positivity and gratitude makes you stronger as you battle your cancer! I will kiss my brain everyday for you!

[@diademglow3429]

I pray you have a lifetime of good health. I so feel alignment with your thinking. Your heart and soul are enabling you to kiss your brain. I got Covid, I was one of the few that was attacked neurologically. Omg, the pain, the power in the head, but I learned my heart was going to deal with my brain. I am better now, its like a bad bad dream.

[@cieradesilva1116]

You know you are an educator by vocation when you are so excited to be able to use your own MRI brain pictures when teaching brain imagining to your students! Your curiosity, passion, gratitude and genuinely kind spirit shine through. I will definitely invite my students to kiss their brains. I wish you all the best in your journey.

[@SisterMinnie]

Christina you're a beautiful soul. Thank you for coming into my life. Even though I met you off Instagram you have been an inspiration to me in my battle of my brain tumor. I'm here for you always. You're going to win this!

[@farihahkhalidshaikh1535]

hello you pretty pretty human😘, i hope you recover soon and live a loving, long and beautiful life.❤️❤️❤️ my prayers are with you. 😊you deserve all the happiness in the world🤗, gosh can i just say you are so gorgeous 😍, take care, keep thriving 💫💓

[@SisterMinnie]

@@farihahkhalidshaikh1535 you’re such a beautiful person thank you so much for making my day. I was crying a lot and read this now wish I can hug you 😭🥺❤️

[@Camila-do8ot]

This is the most inspiring and most powerful Ted Talk that I've seen/heard in my life and I've watched millions

[@inmam9551]

I am experiencing another type of cancer but I do exactly what you are doing: giving thanks to my body, my family, friends and to God. I wish you the best for your entire life.

[@lizzismith8672]

i'm so happy to have christina in our service dog program she really brightens mine and everyone's day 😘🧠

[@TheEnticingWriter]

It's great. She is telling in a really beuatiful way.

[@dlxinfinite7098]

Im not very well learned in Brain Science. I have received a diagnosis Ive been stressing about for weeks. With no family help or acknowledgement. In fact, they say Im faking it. Out of all the "TED gratitude" videos, this one has given me the most hope for a good outcome. And the gratitude for "the parts of my body that still works fine." "The body is not a battlefield." I got an immediate spike, a tingle of joy and hope when you said this I thank you from the Center of my heart.

[@kunalbose1380]

I am so grateful. That there are people like you Christina. Love you!

[@rosemunn2857]

I kissed my brain after watching this wonderful person talk. I ve been experiencing great anxiety now during our third wave in Canada and have not been myself, and it scares me very much.

[@globaltips168]

I like theses “ kiss your brain “ !

[@annemarieburke6537]

Thank You....Brave and beautiful soul

[@MrTuncayKaradeniz]

I usually don’t write comments. But after I watched this first thing I kissed my brain. I felt, gratitude was spreading from the bottom of my heart and left my body to those things which I’m grateful for. Thank you so much @chrisrinacosta

[@binduchitrakar9969]

Thank you for sharing good experience. I believe in gratitude. Inspiring speech. I just suffering from Migraine. Your speech encourages me to practice gratitude. But when pain start, I feel hard to practice positive thought because negative thought running in my mind, then I listen Migraine relief music and get relief from Migraine. I still feel sensitive for my pain. I will practice more gratitude and relief from migraine. Thank you.

[@itsmoniquesworld]

Christina is the most amazing soul. To know her is to love her and I am honored to call her a friend! She is amazing and brilliant and truly makes this world better!

[@holyhapiness]

God bless you and bring cure to your body, 'cause your sould is already healed. Thanks for existing and sharing with us your experience and knowledge.

[@norisleidysuarez1312]

Christina, you are so strong. I cried watching this. I am so glad I was able to meet you in person at the Impact Driven conference in Miami. You are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@gracelight522]

Thank you so much! That is how I feel about chronic pain. Not fighting it. 🤍🤍🤍

[@nathanpiliero]

I was having a very terrible day and overwhelmed from a myriad of life’s conundrums. This brought me a smile and light.

[@aswathymanu5963]

I am greatful for my great mind that always make happy

[@EveofJen]

Incorporating gratitude into my daily routine has been one of the most essential practices to remaining peaceful, positive & hopeful. The words we speak to ourselves & others have true power. 🙏 Sending out an abundance of good vibes & love 🙌

[@gracering6249]

Experience is the best teacher, thank you soo much, such an insightful talk

[@AestheticConsciousness]

BEAUTIFUL .

[@SuperHero-bh7is]

Thanku mam .thanku youtube❤️❤️❤️

[@alinaadamut]

Beautiful!!! Inspirational!!! Thank you so much, Christina!!! I've kissed my brain! I'm kissing your brain and your heart, too! Gratitude is my favorite daily practice. I wrote a book, too. It's called Grateful- In Love with My Messy Beautiful Life. Sending love your way!!! Thank you for shining bright!

[@eganmay11]

Thank you for sharing your story with us! Combining science and spirituality is beautiful especially with the work you’re doing....you have 1st hand knowledge to share with your students. I pray everything goes well for you!!✌️❤️☀️🙏

[@GEE-rr7xv]

Thank you for sharing some of your journey and its revelations with others. May the healing universe guide you on. Blessings to you.

[@JoaoVictor-dw2ci]

One of the most empowering talks that i watched here, i can´t even explain how grateful am i for your words who brings a lot of comfort in a period of Anxiety, depression and so many disorders !!! thank you so much !!!

[@teresadavis9557]

You are building a strong and powerful foundation for all the people you come in contact with in the future. More knowledge more compassion a better listener to those people who need someone just like you to hear them. Not like the doctors you mentioned in your talk. I pray that angels watch over you.

[@dswain1981]

Wonderful story and so inspiring. What a wonderful human. 🙌

[@choclatforever9280]

hamdulilah "thank god" im a muslim, and as a muslim gratitude is a daily practice for me,and believe me as much im thankful i will get more and more and be happy and optimistic....thank u dear god 🙏 for everything

[@TaraReel]

Just had brain surgery. Thank you for the message.

[@viatinaa]

So grateful for you, Christina.

[@dipalisingh5020]

Thank-you ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@rachelclare8795]

I like warrior which is different, and this warrior has been feeling over the last few days, I am feeling these difficult things in my life right now, I’m feeling and I’m conscious of them and able to understand and articulate (to a reasonable degree) - that, in itself, is SO good!

[@niveditakoka]

So beautiful and touching and inspirational.

[@biberflub]

Watching this video empowered me. I was a little weary about gratitude because I thought I was doing something wrong, i kept doubting my abilities and my performance. But the way Christina explained how it empowered her, as well as the emotional, mental, and physical long-term benefits, I am reconsidering the ways in which i think of my brain by showing gratitiude to the wonderful things my brain has done for me so far. Love you brain

[@swaroopjashu]

Thank you...💌

[@quarteracreadventures855]

Thank you Christina

[@susantallarico3747]

I enjoyed this talk very much. Love the tone of your voice! Hope you enjoy your long life!

[@sarkaragha]

I love you and your resistance. Bravooooooooooooo

[@fortunewrangler8524]

Such beautiful enthusiasm!!

[@adrianamontana8145]

Thank you from Colombia 😍

[@JMCNYC79]

This is beautiful. I wish you all the best in life. Today is day 88 of my attitude of gratitude work. Every morning I spend quiet time meditating and journaling. I write down 5 things I’m thankful and grateful for. My life has radically changed for the better.

[@mariakerrigan6571]

I love this talk. So empowering. I just started doing my Gratitude meditation. I am loving my gratitude practice 🙏

[@jacqnewyorker5619]

Thank you for the Reminder of how Awesomely Made I Am❤

[@anthonymason4999]

I love this woman!! Thank you Ted talks for allowing her to share ~ not only her experience but her methodology of what works for Her!!! May God Bless You 🙏

[@superarc8398]

This is so wholesome 🥺♥️

[@kevinmbp]

this is incredibly beautiful

[@JigS_JigS]

Thank you ❤️ Grateful to you for sharing a part of you. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Yes, I am gonna love my brain and be grateful each moment.

[@abdiasgomez4121]

Thank you. Your story is a gift for everyone.

[@estherwiskel6550]

She is very engaging, she has learned a way to heal thy self via studies and in an intellectual per suit, however I would also apply prayers and gratitude to my maker🙏✝️♥️👍

[@iikimida]

Thank you for the blessings 🙏🙏🙏

[@eileenmccartneycirelli3098]

Powerful. Thank you for sharing. I supervise a team of 50 Speech Language Pathologists. I plan to make your segment here the video ‘keynote’ of our fall 2021 professional development series.

[@KellieHaan]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@karink.tinning2205]

You are FABULOUS!!

[@enasmassarwi3853]

I always wondered if being mindful and grateful can help when you deal with such a tough situation, thank you for sharing your experience! I'm deeply inspired and grateful for hearing how you dealt with such a challenging period in your life.

[@moneyharry]

Her voice is too sweet

[@briddurell1548]

Incredible! Thank you

[@malithfernando5870]

Hi Cristina, It is amazing to hear what you just shared. You showed in action what you taught. I just kissed my brain. This 😘 kiss is form me to your brain. Wish you all the very best.

[@WisdomInWellbeing]

Thank you Christina 💗 your journey so beautifully shared & I'm so grateful for receiving it. Thank you for "kiss your brain" I'm adding it to my daily 💗🥰 sending you love

[@StephanvanVuurenza]

So beautiful, and extremely interesting.