Essential 8: Practice Gratitude

One of the four keys to experiencing emotional health found in Living the TriVita Way is to practice gratitude. Why? Gratitude in its purest form is a celebration of abundance; an uplifting, joyous acknowledgement that we are blessed and loved. Gratitude is also one of life’s greatest teachers. The daily lessons we learn about gratitude bring rewards that last a lifetime.

Points to Consider

• Gratitude conquers negativity, envy and discouragement. When what you have and can achieve is your focus, negative thoughts and feelings are put aside
• Gratitude creates a focus on abundance. When you thoughtfully consider all you have, both in things and the intangible things that money cannot buy, you will be amazed at the wealth you possess
• Gratitude ensures a positive perspective. Compared to the true richness you are surrounded by, petty concerns and minor difficulties pale in comparison and cease to occupy your thoughts
• Gratitude alters the way you see yourself and others. By constantly taking stock of the positives in yourself and others, your vision changes and you become a coach rather than a critic
• Gratitude fosters inner peace. When feelings of thankfulness are part of daily life, your desire and ability to dwell on past mistakes and flaws in yourself and others dwindles
• Gratitude inspires happiness, loyalty, compassion and tolerance, among many other positive qualities
• Gratitude builds and supports lasting, priceless relationships with family, friends and God. When appreciation for those most important to you becomes part of your daily conversation with them, relationships become grounded in a solid, unshakable foundation

Substantiation

Results from the Research Project on Gratitude and Thanksgiving study indicate that the expression of daily gratitude increases levels of alertness, enthusiasm,
determination, optimism and energy.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that heart-transplant patients who practiced thankfulness and appreciation as aspects of their religious faith felt better and had fewer difficulties with diet and medications one year after the operation.

Two psychologists, Dr. Michael McCullough of Southern Methodist University, and Dr. Robert Emmons of the University of California at Davis, say their study findings indicate that gratitude plays a significant role in one’s sense of wellbeing.  Results of the study show that daily gratitude exercises resulted in higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy. According to The Nun Study by the University of Kentucky researchers, the nuns who lived the longest were the ones who expressed the most positive emotions—gratitude, contentment, hope, etc. Researchers found nearly a seven-year difference in longevity between the happiest and the least-happy nuns.

Researchers at Heart Math Institute in Boulder Creek, California, have found that consciously experiencing appreciation increases parasympathetic activity, which is thought to be beneficial in controlling stress and hypertension.