How Can I Develop An Attitude of Gratitude? Part 1

Posted: February 24, 2021, 10:02AM

An attitude of gratitude means that you operate from a place of abundance instead of a place of scarcity and fear.

Researchers Stephen M. Yshimura and Kassandra Berzins explored the connection between expressing gratitude and psychological and physical well-being. They concluded that "Gratitude consistently associates with many positive social, psychological, and health states such as the likelihood of helping others, exercise, and reduced reports of physical symptoms."

Consider these lessons in gratitude:

* Be grateful for nothing. When you are thinking of gratitude, don't forget to be grateful for that which has NOT come into your life. Perhaps you didn't lose your job or you didn't get sick or you haven't lost friends over differences. Buddhist writer Gregg Krech asks, "When was the last time you felt grateful because nothing happened?"

An attitude of gratitude takes focus and mindfulness. It takes awareness. Awareness of what we have as well as awareness of things we don't have or things that haven't happened.

* Make gratitude your central spiritual practice. The shift in perspective to being grateful and expressing gratitude, is a small but life-changing shift. This is the shift that can bring us contentment and peace of mind.

As we give thanks, we are able to recognize that the source of goodness lies outside of ourselves. This realization helps us connect to something bigger than ourselves as individuals: other people, nature, and/or God (or your higher power).

There is more! "Stay tuned" for Part 2

Sources: Spirituality and Health, March / April 2021, "Seven Buddhist Lessons in Gratitude", Vicor Parachin; Harvard Health Publishing, "Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier", November 2011, www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat]