The notion that we should be grateful for what we have in life isn’t a new concept by any means. Not only is having an attitude of gratitude a great way to live, it turns out there are many other hidden benefits as well.
In my last post I talked about some of the health benefits we experience as a result of gratitude. Reduced stress and anxiety, as well as an improvement in sleep, are just some of the many recently discovered benefits.
Traditionally, psychologists focused on understanding distress rather than positive emotions. However, with the current focus on Positive Psychology, scientists are now looking at gratitude to understand the experience of the emotion, individual differences in frequency, and the relationship between these two aspects.
Research Into Gratitude
One study is looking at the link between spirituality and gratitude. Some have found that those who regularly attend religious services are more likely to have a greater sense of gratitude in all areas of life.
Researchers have also looked at the obstacles of gratitude and found self-absorption and entitlement as massive impediments.
When you are preoccupied with yourself, it is easy to forget your benefits and benefactors.
With an attitude of “I deserve this,” or “you owe me,” or “life owes me,” grievances will always outnumber blessings.
According to Mark T. Mitchell, professor of political science at Patrick Henry College in Virginia:
Gratitude is born of humility, for it acknowledges the giftedness of the creation and the benevolence of the Creator. This recognition gives birth to acts marked by attention and responsibility. Ingratitude, on the other hand, is marked by hubris, which denies the gift, and this always leads to inattention, irresponsibility, and abuse.
Are there aspects of your life that encourage you to express gratitude? If so, is it your spirituality, or something else? As always, I’d love to hear from you. I can be reached here or on LinkedIn.
