Giving – Gratitude

Continuing on the Giving series of dailyReflection, let’s reflect upon the importance of Gratitude, described as one of the best qualities that bestows immense benefits on us for our well-being.

The word gratitude originates from the Latin word gratus, which means pleasing, thankful or grateful. The feeling of gratitude occurs at two levels. First, feeling gratitude for ourselves, for everything we have now. Second, expressing the feeling to others, who contributed to our happiness in some way or other. In both cases, gratitude felt within us has miraculous effects on our whole being.

 Psychiatrist Dr. Neel Burton writes in Psychology Today, “Gratitude never came easily to us human beings, and is a diminishing virtue in modern times.” The science is proving that gratitude reduces stress and uplifts us in many ways — happiness, productivity, and satisfaction levels.

Gratitude is a special form of giving. It needs to be cultivated and doesn’t come to us without effort because gratitude is unconditional.

Gratitude is a special form of giving. It needs to be cultivated and doesn’t come to us without effort because gratitude is unconditional; it takes guts to do something without any expectation. 🙂 For our own good, we need to cultivate this virtue. Let’s go over a practice that helps us express gratitude in our daily life.

Practice

Whenever you remember, silently express gratitude based on your surroundings.

Everyday we all go to one or more of offices, shops, restaurants, places of worship, or movies. Look around and silently express gratitude within yourself to people responsible for arranging and running the place.

Let’s take an example. In the office, you go to the meeting room to attend a meeting. Normally, you enter the meeting room, greet the colleagues, participate in the meeting and get out. This is routine but we’re missing out on a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude. Just once, do this: Enter the meeting room and then just pause and notice. The meeting room is well-lit, nice and clean, tables & chairs are in working condition and neatly arranged, audio-video-phones-Internet are working, there is a nice aroma of room freshener, paper cups-plates-napkins are stacked in the corner, refrigerator is stocked with water & soda and the room is quiet & conducive for the meeting. Take a few moments, silently express gratitude to one or more of the following.

• Facilities crew that kept the room clean & quiet with tables & chair neat and working
• IT folks who have audio, video, Internet, etc. in good shape
• Clerks who took care of stocking paper products and beverages

Silent expression of gratitude means: No need to close your eyes or take a special posture…With all your heart say within, “Thanks!” That’s it. It’s totally free! 🙂

Do the above practice, repeat it; visit this page again to read the article and to contemplate on gratitude. Please do share your feelings & experiences.