It’s a popular saying, “live in gratitude,” but what does it mean really and how do you do that?!
OK, the energy healer in me is coming out when I say it’s really all about vibrational frequencies. You see, all emotions (and gratitude is an emotion) are on a vibrational scale. Research is starting to explore how gratitude works to improve our mental health.
In fact, many studies have found that people who consciously count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed. Joshua Brown PhD and Joel Wong PhD have found study after study showing the benefits of gratitude on our minds and our bodies.
These authors describe 4 insights they gained through their research:
- Gratitude unshackles us from toxic emotions. Think about it. When your thoughts and your language are positive, there is less attention on toxic emotions like resentment and envy. When you are focused on how much other people have blessed your life, there is less room to ruminate on your negative experiences.
- Gratitude helps even if you don’t share it. Telling someone how grateful you are for them is one thing but what if you think about it but never really share it – gratitude still helps you.
- Gratitude’s benefits take time. We are an instant culture – we expect results right away, but the changes gratitude does to your brain do take time. It’s like making a new groove in your brain for your thoughts to slide down in.
- Gratitude has lasting effects on the brain. In their study, Brown and Wong discovered that those who practiced grateful letter writing to others on a regular basis did in fact show changes in their brain activity as measured in the fMRI scanner. Although they admit their results are inconclusive, they believe that their findings suggest practicing gratitude may help train the brain to be more sensitive to the experience of gratitude down the line, and this could contribute to improved mental health over time.
These are great benefits to the practice of gratitude and answers the question “what’s in it for me?!”
As we practice gratitude, we are focusing on others through our appreciation for who they are and the things they do. The blessing is that gratitude not only expresses our appreciation and love for others, but we also benefit through changing our way of looking at things. Life just gets easier!
So, in this month when we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the United States, let us remember to practice gratitude for all who affect our lives in countless positive ways.
Want to know more about how to be a person of gratitude? Then, let’s talk. On our website at the top of the homepage is Contact Us. Click on it and our calendars will appear. Just schedule yourself for a FREE consultation.