It’s that time of year again when we have the opportunity to reflect on the special people or experiences that have given us the chance to be grateful. Sometimes “special” does not always mean joyous or happy experience or interactions. Authentic gratitude can come from experiences that may be difficult or sad, but have allowed us to grow. Another benefit is that there is proof in the wellbeing benefits of reflecting, embracing and allowing ourselves to truly feel gratitude, thankfulness and gratefulness. Read more here.
According to a 2010 article in Clinical Psychology Review, grateful people were less angry and hostile, depressed, and emotionally vulnerable, experienced positive emotions more frequently. Gratitude was also correlated with traits associated with positive social functioning; emotional warmth, gregariousness, activity seeking, trust, altruism, and tender-mindedness. Finally, grateful people had higher openness to their feelings, ideas, values, greater competence, dutifulness, and achievement striving.
Where do we begin to understand the practice of gratitude and gratefulness? With most things in life, it starts with us. Are we ready to embrace and experience the rewards? Are we ready to embrace the exercise? It’s not like physically training for a marathon, although the results may feel just as good. One way to learn and practice gratitude is to connect with a mindfulness or meditation leader who shares the gift of “how”. A gift that can be brought home and practiced independently with a reward that keeps on giving.
Who or what are you grateful for?
Thank you for reading and sharing.
Wishing you the best with your gratitude practice.
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