Gratitude for Gratitude

Photo Credit: Deneen Treble

Scientific studies (and common sense) point to various benefits of gratitude. Studies show a connection between gratitude and physical and mental health, meaningful relationships, reduced aggression, better sleep, improved self-esteem, and success in facing trauma.

 

Making Gratitude Personal

A scientific overview of gratitude without a tangible connection to our lives is a recipe for gratitude platitudes.

When I think of gratitude, the words "bounty" and "nurturing" come to mind. When I rest in gratitude there is a sense that I have -- and than I am -- more than enough. I feel that I am being fortified from without and within.

I find that gratitude is a practice, not a given. When I'm not in good practice I can dwell on what I perceive to be scarce; be it time, money, or sunlight. Awareness of this tendency leads me to wonder where I got this habit, and I can often short-circuit the negativity by being compassionate towards whatever part of myself is feeling a lack.

Here’s an experiment: Think of something that you are powerfully grateful for. Really focus on this feeling and notice how it affects you and where you feel it in your body. Now, explore what, if anything, blocks, undermines, or muddies your sense of gratitude. Once you’ve done some exploration bring your mind back to that powerful sense of gratitude, and ask yourself what habits or tools can lead you to cultivate it.

Some examples of tools include: (1) listing things you appreciate before going to sleep or after waking up, (2) stopping and noticing something captivating around you in this moment, (3) when you notice you are comparing yourself to others, having a chuckle about the futility of always comparing, (4) listening to a cherished piece of music or looking at a favorite piece of art, or (5) giving a gift or offering assistance.

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