The Power of Gratitude

When was the last time you stopped to appreciate the fact that you are alive and breathing, or took the time to really listen to a loved one during an interaction? What about savoring the subtle warmth of the morning sun on your skin, or noticing the textures and colors of a piece of fruit you enjoy?

Bringing a bit more awareness and gratitude into the moments of our day can invite fascination and wonder into the seemingly mundane things of life, leading to a greater overall sense of well-being. A monotonous morning routine full of grogginess and grumpiness can turn into a celebration of the chance to experience another day. A stressful morning drive to work can turn into a time to tap into the awe that humans have created vehicles in the first place. A frustrating moment with a spouse or child can transition into a chance to appreciate that there are people in this life that we get to know and be known, love and be loved by more deeply.

This practice also applies to periods of discomfort and darkness. Life involves a fair share of pain and complexity, and sometimes the idea of practicing gratitude can feel futile or even obnoxious. Invitations to focus on gratitude may seem to minimize or overlook the awful and perplexing realities that we all face at times. But a true gratitude practice involves those awful and perplexing realities as the very subjects from which appreciation can sprout.

The truth is that pain can bring us to a place of desperation and humility, providing an opportunity for us to seek and savor simplicities that were previously overlooked and underappreciated. The result is a life infused with a deeper quality of sweetness and connectedness. 

Science shows us that consciously creating thoughts of gratitude releases oxytocin in the brain, a hormone involved in enhancing social bonds, improving mood, and reducing stress and anxiety. So go ahead and give it a shot! Start small, and experiment with ways of expressing gratitude. Be creative! Have some fun with it, and see for yourself the fruits of a grateful attitude. Before too long, you will notice your happiness increasing. As G.K. Chesterton once said: “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”