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Can we learn how to practice gratitude?

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Can we learn how to practice gratitude?

approved

Can we learn how to practice gratitude?

Gratitude expert Robert Emmons, Ph.D., defines gratitude by separating it into two key components: the affirmation of goodness – an affirmation that there are good things in the world, and the recognition that this goodness comes from a source outside of ourselves. Stop and smell the roses – literally! Recognize that the beauty of the flower comes from something greater than you or from someone else like the gardener who has cultivated the flower. This is practicing the art of gratitude.

Mental health and well-being expert Alex Wood, Ph.D., notes that gratitude - a tendency to appreciate the good and positive - is an essential nutrient for people to flourish. Holding a grateful disposition is a recipe to become more resilient and achieve life satisfaction and well-being. When you hold a grateful disposition, you have better mental and physical health, high-quality relationships and a more meaningful life. Research highlights these specific benefits:

  • Stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure and less bothered by aches and pains
  • More joy and pleasure, optimism and happiness in life
  • More helpful, generous, compassionate and forgiving
  • Feeling more outgoing, less lonely and isolated.

If you’re interested in expanding your disposition for gratitude, there is a simple way to start: write down three things that went well for you today, and describe in detail what happened. Make sure these things are aligned with your values. If you value beauty, ask yourself, “Where did I see beauty today?” If you value altruism, ask yourself, “Who helped me today?”  To identify these three good things, you can ask the same question to determine your three good things – or you can ask yourself three different questions. Next, describe why these things were good, and include the cause, such as the people around you. For example: 

  1. When did I have fun today? I had fun camping in our back yard and am grateful for the perfect weather we had, thanks to God. I am also thankful for the resources to be able to do this activity, thanks to the jobs I’ve had to afford the camping gear, land and my home.
  2. Where did I see beauty today? I saw beauty in my daughter’s giggles. She has such a fun and silly personality and I am grateful for her. 
  3. What good happened to me today?  I was given a new assignment at work that will show another set of my skills and am grateful to my manager for believing in me.

There are many benefits to practicing gratitude and methods to do so. We hope you find ways to cultivate a grateful disposition, and become more resilient and flourish.

approved

Can we learn how to practice gratitude?

Gratitude expert Robert Emmons, Ph.D., defines gratitude by separating it into two key components: the affirmation of goodness – an affirmation that there are good things in the world, and the recognition that this goodness comes from a source outside of ourselves. Stop and smell the roses – literally! Recognize that the beauty of the flower comes from something greater than you or from someone else like the gardener who has cultivated the flower. This is practicing the art of gratitude.

Mental health and well-being expert Alex Wood, Ph.D., notes that gratitude - a tendency to appreciate the good and positive - is an essential nutrient for people to flourish. Holding a grateful disposition is a recipe to become more resilient and achieve life satisfaction and well-being. When you hold a grateful disposition, you have better mental and physical health, high-quality relationships and a more meaningful life. Research highlights these specific benefits:

  • Stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure and less bothered by aches and pains
  • More joy and pleasure, optimism and happiness in life
  • More helpful, generous, compassionate and forgiving
  • Feeling more outgoing, less lonely and isolated.

If you’re interested in expanding your disposition for gratitude, there is a simple way to start: write down three things that went well for you today, and describe in detail what happened. Make sure these things are aligned with your values. If you value beauty, ask yourself, “Where did I see beauty today?” If you value altruism, ask yourself, “Who helped me today?”  To identify these three good things, you can ask the same question to determine your three good things – or you can ask yourself three different questions. Next, describe why these things were good, and include the cause, such as the people around you. For example: 

  1. When did I have fun today? I had fun camping in our back yard and am grateful for the perfect weather we had, thanks to God. I am also thankful for the resources to be able to do this activity, thanks to the jobs I’ve had to afford the camping gear, land and my home.
  2. Where did I see beauty today? I saw beauty in my daughter’s giggles. She has such a fun and silly personality and I am grateful for her. 
  3. What good happened to me today?  I was given a new assignment at work that will show another set of my skills and am grateful to my manager for believing in me.

There are many benefits to practicing gratitude and methods to do so. We hope you find ways to cultivate a grateful disposition, and become more resilient and flourish.

approved