Albert Schweitzer says “To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude.”
That is a very profound statement indeed, but how do we educate ourselves to be more grateful? Most of us say ‘thank you’ when we receive something, but is that true gratitude?
Some people feel more gratitude than others because they habitually interpret help as more beneficial and more beneficially intended. Focusing on our positive thoughts and letting the negative ones pass on by is an excellent start to feeling gratitude. Open your heart for it is here where memory is stored when you are grateful.
Gratitude, thankfulness or appreciation is a positive emotion that we can experience at a very deep level. On the surface we appreciate our families, homes and conveniences. Let’s think about the floors that we walk on every day. If they are hardwood, do you appreciate the tree and source of the wood? The wool carpet has special energy from sheep and the people who designed and made it. You can absorb the joy and contentment you feel as you listen to some favourite music.
Treasure your private time when you are free to appreciate the beauty around you.
Gratitude is uniquely important to our well-being. Studies show that grateful people have more positive ways of coping with the difficulties they experience in life, being more likely to seek support from other people and grow from their experiences. They also have better coping strategies, being less likely to deny there is a problem, or to blame themselves. Grateful people sleep better as they likely think less negative and more positive thoughts just before going to bed.
