Gratitude is more than a sensitive human reaction. It leads us to deeper contentment and positive conditioning of life. Indeed, gratitude changes everything in life. Read on to know how…
The exact phrase that defines gratitude is ‘a sense of appreciation’ for things which are always present in our life. The word gratitude is derived from Latin word “gratia” meaning thankfulness and gratefulness.
Not all of us are blessed with huge amount of wealth or immense talent. Yet there are many tangible and intangible gifts which hold us up along our life journey. Examples – food, shelter, supportive relationships, and more. We all will agree these simple little things make our everyday life truly worthwhile.
The positive cognitive response of gratitude has tremendous transformative power. It moulds us into a better human being. Here, I am not going into the neurobiological details of how gratitude rewires our brain. I am reflecting upon habits and behavioural changes that come with gratitude and make life beautiful:
Gratitude Makes Us Humble.
While practicing gratitude, the focus shifts from ME and MYSELF to WE and US. We stop saying “I” have done it on my own. We realise this “I” does not have the calibre to do anything alone. “I” can tread the path of life only with help, support, and kindness from others around.
Gratitude Boosts Happiness.
We connect with life experiences which are real. Happiness is about enjoying what we have. We take every moment as a gift and feel more at peace within. This stable, optimistic emotional state paves the way for a happy and content life.
Gratitude Restores a Positive Frame of Mind.
There are troubling times when life comes under the tight grip of self-defeating feelings. We feel worthless and hopeless. During this phase, a quiet reflection with gratitude deflects our mind from the negative aspects and brings balance, equilibrium & harmony in life.
Gratitude Lowers Daily Stressors.
A heartfelt expression of gratitude can nullify ill-effects of anxiety-driven thoughts. The feeling of gratefulness has a calming effect on our nervous system. Uplifts our mood amidst chaos in an instant. A daily reflection on good experiences of the day improves emotional resilience and increase our inner strength. We count on our blessings and refrain from comparing our life with that of others.
Gratitude Promotes Rational Thinking.
Gratitude eliminates brain fog which affect our thinking. Our mind gets a proper training to frame opinions based on facts and reasons. Negative bias and petty emotions do not influence the decisions-making process. We evaluate whatever is available to us and act accordingly to solve problems. Gratitude reinforces a strong self-belief to overcome setbacks with the support system around us.
Gratitude Strengthens Our Personal Relationships.
We refuse to take our loved ones for granted. We celebrate unconditional love of elderly family members who shaped our identity. We acknowledge the supportive role of a partner who share our daily responsibilities. We take time out to engage with friends and associates. We understand the relevance of emotional reciprocity to connect with them at a deeper level.
Gratitude Teaches Us Selflessness.
The urge to give highest priority to personal wants and needs fade away. We learn to give without expecting anything in return. We do not take an action to fulfil a desire or get validations from the society. Thus, love and generosity continue to flow and make the world a better place to live in.
Gratitude Strengthens Our Bond with Mother Nature.
We raise concerns over destruction of natural environment. We stop making wrong choices that tend to hurt Earth’s resources. Many of us turn to minimalism out of gratitude towards this life-supporting planet. We decline extravagance and choose mindful consumption. Living with less ensures lesser exploitation of the ecosystem.
Cultivating gratitude does not mean we start dwelling in fantasy land ignoring all problems and difficulties in everyday life. It is a practice for tackling each obstacle without internal conflicts. We learn to absorb the goodness in the present moment. A sincere and genuine thankfulness towards significant as well as insignificant contributions from others keep us grounded to our roots.
