The Healing Power of Gratitude: Clutivating The Feel Good Factor

Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind ~ Lionel Hampton

It’s a fair bet that the majority of people reading this page are seeking something. Many will want to be adding something to their life and some will be looking to shed excess baggage of just let go of some of the stress and strains of the past few years.

What about you? I don’t know you personally of course, and whether you want make some radical changes, or just pep your life up a notch or two, I was wondering, rather than thinking about what you want of need out of life, when was the last time you though about what you have?

Why am I asking this question?

I’m pretty certain that you have heard the phrase “the attitude of gratitude”. However, did you know that there is solid scientific evidence, gathered over the last 10 years.

One example is a long research project on gratitude and thankfulness being carried out by Dr. Robert Emmons of the University of California at Davis and Dr. Michael McCollough of Southern Methodist University

The study consistently reports that individuals practicing daily gratitude have improved, emotional and physical health. They attain their goals faster and so better academically. It also strengthens relationships and builds supportive communities.

Without gratitude, life can be lonely, depressing and impoverished, gratitude enriches human life. It elevates, energizes, inspires and transforms. People are moved, opened and humbled through expressions of gratitude ~ Robert Emmons

Listen to Dr. Robert Emmons talk about what he has learned about the emotional and physical value of  bringing appreciation and gratitude into your life.

 

 

Today let yourself sink into the awareness of what you have here and now.

There is breath in your body – feel it. Thoughts that come and go through your head without you having to do anything – marvelous.

There’s food in your belly, sheets on your bed, water fit to drink coming out of the taps, and clothes in your closet.

It’s Spring. Notice the colours, the shapes of nature – leaves, a cloud, a kitten’s little paws.

You are privileged to be able to drink all this in.

And consider, too, that you must always have had enough, at least the minimum of all your needs met, every day of your life up til now, or you wouldn’t be here. Enough food, enough warmth, and yes, enough love to have survived to this day.

Gratitude and appreciation are true gifts that you can give freely to yourself and others every day. so how about you take a few moments to celebrate all that.

Drink this day in in all it’s glory, wallow in the sheer exquisiteness of being alive. Expand that feeling. Bask in it. Let it wash over and through you. Feel the beauty and appreciate all you have.

Just take a minute:

Give thanks for all the things you take for granted, to whoever you love and to whatever higher power and divine intelligence you choose for this day…..

And, after that, should you feel inspired to tell us how you feel, or the difference it has made to you day please let us know.

As always, your interaction with our posts creates a reservoir of wisdom for all our readers to benefit from so please share your thoughts, stories and questions in the comments box below and remember to tweet, like and +1 ~ thanks

Additional Resources
Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier By Robert Emmons
Kindness is contagious – A wonderful portal dedicated to small acts of kindness.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation