If you’re reading this essay, you’re likely using a Smartphone or a computer, and you’re also located in a place that has working electricity. Since you’ve navigated to The White Feather Foundation website and clicked on this page, you must also have the power of choice, to decide what you’re going to read.
Though they may seem basic, these are three very important things to be thankful for, as not everyone has access to technology, or even electricity.
Sadly, many people can’t even select what type of content they consume.
We decided to focus on gratitude this month, as its powerful effect on the human body (and soul) doesn’t get enough press.
Seriously, though—did you know that gratitude can do all of the following?
- Aid in Better Sleep
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Strengthen the Immune System
- Increase Pain Tolerance
- Reduce Anxiety and Depression
- Manage Glucose Levels
- Help Heart Patients
- Boost Self-confidence
- Increase Patience
- Enhance Work Productivity
- Reduce Envy and Jealousy
- Encourage Forgiveness
- Increase Optimism
- Accelerate Recovery from Addiction
- Help Manage Grief
- Strengthen Friendships
- Improve Romantic Relationships
- Cultivate a Sense of Fulfilment
Read on to see how it works….
The Science of Gratitude
The basics behind it are the dopamine and serotonin that are activated when we acknowledge being thankful for someone or something in our life. It quite literally releases toxic emotions and changes the neural structures in our brains.
Take, for example, Christina Costa. A woman finds a place of peace through a conscious choice to be grateful, after a life-changing medical experience. Following the realisation that gratitude was responsible for this positive outlook, her curiosity about what was actually happening in her brain, led her to discover the significant science behind why it makes a difference.
Watch her TedTalk to learn more:
The medical community continues to conduct research into these exciting findings, and earlier this year, published a study that indicates gratitude can even help us live longer. Gratitude is a gift that keeps on giving….
The Joy of Gratitude
There is so much to be grateful for in this world—an infinite amount of things that can bring a smile on a dark day.
A few that came to mind for us while preparing this piece were….
Family | Life-long Friendships | Collaborators | Good Health | Shelter | Food | Clean Water | Walks in Nature | Creative Projects | Music | Pets | TWFF Ambassadors, Partners & Supporters | Fans | Gardens | Art | Sunsets | The Ocean | The Forest | Rainbows | Clouds | Indigenous Wisdom | Global Connectivity & Technology | Books | Travel | Education | Children | Medical Advances | Science | Good Samaritans | First Responders | Laughter | Handwritten Letters | Television | Film | Holidays | Long Drives | Autumn Hues | Flowers| Wildlife | The Aurora Borealis | Breathing | Community | Compassion | Empathy | Kindness | Peace | Love
The Practise of Gratitude
So—knowing how beneficial it truly can be for both mental and physical health, where should you start?
Here are some popular ways to become actively thankful:
Keep a Gratitude Journal. It’s so universally common now, there are several ways to go about it. Greater Good in Action breaks down the how and why and offers prompts to get started.
Go Visual. For those who prefer not to write out their gratitude, Carla Speight & Co. offers a great example of making a visual representation instead. As the old saying goes, sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words….
Write Thank You Notes. Thank you notes aren’t only for wedding gifts—they are a powerful tool to express gratitude and can foster deeper connections among friends, family and colleagues. At the end of the day, it feels good to tell people when you appreciate them and to receive those affirmations as well. If you need help on how to structure a good thank you note, Harvard Business Review offers several tips.
Breathe. Our own TWFF Global Ambassador, Kim Kindersley, hosts free breathwork classes each week via Zoom. These are sacred, ceremonial gatherings that promote connection and gratitude for Indigenous Wisdom and the resources of Mother Earth.
Set Intentions. Elizabeth Rider shares a way that you can meaningfully do this in only 2 minutes time!
Make a Gratitude Jar. Every time you acknowledge something that you’re thankful for, jot it down and add it to the jar. In darker times when you need positivity, return to the jar to be reminded of all the good you’ve experienced. Mind Body Green gives step-by-step instructions on how to create your own.
Meditate. The Mindful Movement offers a free guided meditation, to help you pause during the day to express gratitude.
Be Present. Mindful.org offers four easy, practical ways to rewire your brain with gratitude.
Truth be told, it doesn’t matter how you choose to practise gratitude, just making it a regular habit will work wonders for your mind, body and soul….
“Playtime” © 2014, by Julian Lennon. View more fine art photography at julianlennonphotography.com.
Looking to start a gratitude journal? Our TWFF ‘Namaste’ Journals are inexpensive, eco-friendly and offer the added benefit of helping great causes with sale proceeds. You can order one here.
Wonderful insightful interesting article …I am grateful for my life my health my family & friends my past love my job & it definitely causes a person to feel better👍🙏
I am grateful for this wonderful reminder and the interesting facts gathered as to the wonderful health benefits. I try to live everyday in the state of gratitude and do feel it has aided in my recovery from a chronic pain issue. Thank you for sharing.
What a lovely piece. Thank you for this wonderful information. We’ll wishes to you both. Peace and Love.
We can all adopt an “attitude of gratitude.” Thankfulness is powerful in changing our world.Thank you for sharing the gift of gratitude with great suggestions to incorporate in our daily lives!
🙏