The Power of a Grateful Heart
Claigh H. Jensen, LCSW
Peace on earth, goodwill to men. In these troubled times, how can you be filled with a sense of peace and goodwill? Research has found that living gratefully changes everything! Choosing gratitude is choosing the abundant life.
The great Roman philosopher Cicero wrote, "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others." In Webster's 1828 Dictionary we read, "Gratitude is a virtue of the highest excellence, as it implies a feeling and generous heart, and a proper sense of duty."
In the "Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness," co-investigators Robert A. Emmons, of the University of California at Davis, and Michael E. McCullough, of the University of Miami found that living gratefully improves several aspects of an individual life. They discovered people who live gratefully enjoy greater vitality and life satisfaction. The grateful were also found to exhibit positive emotions, empathy, generosity, and optimism. Physically they tended to sleep better, have lower blood pressure and were more likely to exercise and take care of their health.
Interestingly, Emmons and McCullough found the cynical view suggesting positive people either deny or ignore problems to be unfounded. Indeed, "grateful people do not deny or ignore the negative aspects of life." In reality gratitude energizes and helps one see possibilities and solutions to challenges. Rather than being overwhelmed, a person with a grateful heart finds increased energy to overcome!
Dr Sapna Parikh recently reported on MYFOXNY.COM, "Research shows that gratitude really does bring you good health and happiness. . . . One study . . . found that people who are grateful are less resentful and less envious."
There are some specific actions you can incorporate to develop or improve the virtue of gratitude:
First, believe you can change and improve. Decide that living gratefully is possible regardless of your circumstance. Recognize that life is filled with many opportunities for growth. It is important to take responsibility for your attitude towards people and the world around you.
Second, let go of the negative thoughts that may be a part of your current thinking pattern. Forgive yourself or others if needed and let the past go. If appropriate, ask for forgiveness. Move forward.
Third, keep a gratitude journal. I have found that keeping a handwritten journal filled with the things I am grateful for improves my sense of well-being. On difficult days, reviewing what I have written previously reminds me of how blessed I really am. You may want to consider an online gratitude journalling group that allows you to share in the written thoughts of others. The energy in grateful expression is contagious!
Fourth, be aware of others and take note of their efforts to give. Express your thanks and appreciation when someone does something for you. Help your children and grandchildren improve their social skills and like-ability by teaching them to live thankfully and to express their gratitude. Peers are drawn to those with the positive energy created by grateful living. The one who can see the good in others and knows how to articulate it spreads the warmth of appreciation.
Fifth, if you have been neglecting your spiritual life, consider returning to your faith home. McCullough, Emmons and Tsang found "Those who regularly attend religious services and engage in religious activities such as prayer [and] reading religious material . . . are more likely to be grateful." While it is not necessary to attend church to develop the virtue of gratitude, apparently it helps. Gratitude is the root of spirituality.
President John F. Kennedy once stated, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." The power you unleash as you determine to live gratefully will improve your physical and emotional health. And not only will it bless the life of your family, it will improve the community in which you live. Grateful people change the world! During this joyous season determine to liberate the wealth of personal power that resides in a grateful heart!
Santa didn't disappoint! He even took the time to write the kids a note thanking them for their goodness in the past year. The Straws and Connectors that he brought the Stalcup family were a big hit. I hope Ashlee posts some pictures taken with Bryn's new camera of the structures that were created.
Greg was just old enough to catch the wonder of it all. His new drum was his favorite gift. Kes was particularly happy to get the make-up she had hoped for. Santa seemed to know just the right gifts for each one. Spencer spent the day creating his new Lego Star Wars ship with Bryn's support. Will's smile says it all!
We feel so blessed to have Steve, Ashlee and the kids close. I enjoyed playing Topple with Bryn and putting together Hungry Hippos and being soundly beaten by Will. He seemed to get the best of Spence, Kes, Bryn and I. The reading of the story of the birth of Jesus as recorded in the Book of Luke remains my favorite of favorite Christmas time traditions. Time with Ashlee is always a treat and on our way out of town, we got to see Steve's store and some of the improvements he is in the process of making. Thank-you Steve and Ashlee for a wonderful holiday.
Kes really enjoyed the power that comes with having your own little set of salt and pepper shakers. She kept realizing that this or that needed just a little more salt. Ashlee's sweet potatoes and apples was a big hit. In honor of the "not into cooked raisin" crowd we had our apple stuffing minus raisins and the kids actually liked it. Letting go of the raisins was a great sacrifice for Claigh and I but well worth it to have our fun dinner guests enjoy it all.
At the conclusion of our tasty feast, Ashlee led our musical crew in the fine art of making crystal sing. Bryn was quick to learn with Spencer not far behind. Spencer decided he needed to take a crystal goblet to school so he could treat the whole third grade class to his great talent.
Everyone knows how I love books. Will found the perfect ones to add to my children's shelf.
The five and a quarter mile hike to Fairy Falls was perfect for the fifty degree weather. My feet are not as young as they used to be and by the time we made it back to the car, they were hurting. New shoes with better cushion are definitely in order, however the hike was worth the discomfort. The the air was crisp and clean. Along side the trail there was a very small basin (perhaps three and a half feet in diameter) filled with steaming water that appeared to be a deep turquoise color due to the depth. There is really no describing the beauty of it. Fairy Falls is a lovely small waterfall with no geothermal feature similar to many waterfalls throughout the mountains. There is something about the sound of water rippling in a river or as it cascades over the rough rock of a mountain wall that sings peace to my soul.
Claigh and I enjoyed walking the boardwalks through a couple of the Basins that are between the west entrance and Old Faithful. The Prismatic Geyser and Sapphire Pool in the Midway Basin and Sunset Lake in the Black Sands Basin were incredible. The turquoise and blue appearance of the water was hard to believe. Throughout the land water boils in small mud pots and streams of hot mineral water runs over colorful ledges into the river. There are forests of microscopic organisms forming colorful crusty patches throughout the landscape. Steam rises into the sky all around you. We are excited to go again and again in hopes of seeing it all.
