"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough." - Meister Eckhart
The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means: grace, graciousness, or gratefulness.
Gratitude
is a thankful appreciation for what we have received in life...be it
tangible (an actual gift/object) or intangible (a kind thought/action).
It encourages us to acknowledge the goodness in our lives. In the
process, we come to recognize that the source of goodness lies partially
outside ourselves. And so....gratitude helps us to connect to
something larger than ourselves — whether to other people, nature, or a
higher power. We learn to count our blessings and life's simple
pleasures.
Gratitude
shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance that is already
present. Much research has been done on the behavioural and
psychological benefits of practicing gratitude. Research shows
surprising life improvements.
Research Into Effects of Gratitude Practice
According to Harvard Medical School: 'Expressing thanks may be one of the simplest ways to feel better.' In
positive psychology research, gratitude shows strong and consistent
association with greater happiness. It helps people feel more positive
emotions, relish good experiences, deal with adversity, strengthen
relationships, build resilience, improves health, and reduces stress.
Two
psychologists, Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California,
Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami: did
a study asking participants to write a few sentences weekly focusing on
particular topics. The first group listed things to be grateful for,
the second listed daily issues that aggravated them, and the third group
listed issues that affected them (with no emphasis on the positive or
negative aspect). After 10 weeks the gratitude group showed more
optimism, they felt better about life in general, they exercised more
and had less GP visits than the aggravated group.
Studies looking at the benefit of gratitude in relationships: showed
that couples expressing gratitude, were more positive toward each other
and more comfortable expressing their concerns about the relationship.
Research in the workplace shows that: Managers who say thank you to their staff find that employees feel more motivated to work harder.
Ways to Practice Gratitude:
Notice and Appreciate Daily Gifts and Simple Acts of Kindness:
Imagine not having the simplest pleasures of seeing or hearing? Contemplate the kindness of others, the process, logistics and hard work, and effort, that goes into creating and providing you with
things as simple as - water through a tap, the chair you sit on, the
clothes you wear. Give
thanks for this
Write a Thank You note: Let someone know what a difference they have made in your life. If you have not thanked them properly...do so now.
Keep a Gratitude Journal: Make a note daily, or whenever you can remember, of events or experiences in your day to be grateful for.
Count Your Blessings: Be grateful for all the things that worked out well for you in your day. And...as you lay in bed
before falling asleep, instead of counting sheep count your blessings. Give thanks for all that you have, you could even
start with something as small as your pillow; this will help you to relax and
sleep much better.
Meditate: Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. Be grateful for this moment. Take 10 minutes out of your day to sit still and mentally give thanks.
When
you practice gratitude you will begin to appreciate and notice the
simple things in life. Learn to constantly look for the good...even in
unpleasant situations...know that these moments are serving you and
preparing you for greater things. Instead of waiting for positive
experiences to come to you....you can create them daily through mastering
the practice of gratitude. This practice will bring about great changes and rewards to your life!
A poem on Gratitude that you can read when you are having a tough day:
Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
Author Unknown
With Love and Gratitude!
Jess
x
health.harvard.edu, thechangeblog.com,
4 comments:
Lack of gratitude is the single most common denominator in causing unnecessary suffering. There is the testimonial of Job... I have found when times are really tough, to remark; It could have been much worse. I think you have some recent insight to this Jesse, eh?
Hi David,
Thank you. Yes....I do have some insight into this. I have been put through a tremendous amount of challenges in the last year. It is making more conscious and aware of giving gratitude.
I really love this jess, its so easy to let life go past and not realise how blessed we are! I have made a promise to myself that I will be more aware of my blessings and to be more greatful! Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you Glenys. Living with gratitude really does make a remarkable difference in life.
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