An Attitude of Gratitude

Are You Developing An Attitude of Gratitude?

thanks! The Book by Robert Emmons

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What is Gratitude?

gratia

meaning favor, charm, and thanks, and

gratus

meaning pleasing and grateful.

Gratitude is a basic human emotion. It is expressed in some way by all ancient and modern cultures. According to Dr. Robert Emmons, a leading gratitude researcher and author of the book thanks!, the idea of receiving a gift is central to the concept of gratitude. While merely appreciating something for its positive qualities does have a positive impact on our lives and emotions, gratitude takes then next step beyond. Gratitude happens when we go beyond just appreciating something to acknowledging that we have received a gift that we did nothing to earn or deserve. On some level, the warm emotional rush we feel when we really feel gratitude is very like the glow we feel from realizing we are unconditionally loved.

The feeling of Gratitude like living in a state of grace. One definition of Grace, ( Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary)is unmerited divine assistance given humans for their resurrection and regeneration. In short, grace is our response to feeling loved unconditionally by God.

When we practice an attitude of gratitude we are practicing feeling loved.

The Power of Gratitude

Other studies on gratitude are confirming these results. People who take the time to notice and appreciate the good things that come their way through grace, or luck, or the goodness of others are happier and more peaceful. They do better on cognitive tests and tests of problem solving skills. They practice healthier habits, have better relationships, are more optimistic and live longer.

Gratitude is one powerful emotion.

Cultivating Gratitude

1. Keep a gratitude Journal. Every day or so, write about the good things that happened to you that day. You do not need a special format or to keep to any special schedule, although the people in the study who got such great results used the journal daily for 3 weeks.
2. Write a letter of appreciation. Express your gratitude to people who have helped you, particularly those who have helped you without special reward like teachers and nurses. We are touched by others everyday.
3. Make a gratitude visit. You can express your gratitude in person even more powerfully than in a letter. Gratitude is such a powerful emotion for both the giver and receiver, you may find writing the letter first helps you get your thoughts in order and deliver your message more effectively.
4. Make a gratitude list. This can often be a quick pick-me-up. Set a goal of listing 100 things you have to be grateful for, then keep adding to your list until you reach that number. Some days it is hard to get started, but persistence pays as the longer list pushes us to examine our blessings more deeply
5. Take a gratitude walk. This method works a little like the list in that you have a set time period- your walk- to focus on deepening your gratitude. Many people find the movement and variety of a walk help the brain and heart to work better.

Attitude of Gratitude