Gratitude – a word that appears to crop up everywhere nowadays from scripture to tattoos, to lyrics, to top hits. Following a recent conversation with a friend as we pondered on how people usually understand gratitude, we concluded that traditionally it often amounts to saying thank you and counting our blessings, to a version of gratitude that encourages us to seek silver linings amid challenges. I wondered then how we cope with gratitude today, amid crisis in our political, spiritual, natural, and human world.
Gratitude is frequently perceived as a simple, even passive emotion, a feeling of good things in life, yet it is a powerful, active practice that can shift the mindset and influence our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. During times of crisis, our sense is possibly to focus on what is wrong, what is missing, or what we are losing. Yet, researchers have shown that practicing gratitude can counteract these negative tendencies and help focus on the things that are still good in life, even among adversity.
“I don’t have to choose extraordinary moments to find happiness.
Its right in front of me, if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude”
In our present reality, we are constantly bombarded with BAD news, – fake news – as well as tragic, heartbreaking news. It is often difficult to find a positive perspective, amid unprecedented political challenges, from economic instability, political threats and unrest, wars, violence, and climate change to the ongoing health and housing crisis. We are left with an overwhelming lack of finding anything to be grateful for. Yet, it is precisely in such times of need that cultivating a sense of gratefulness can become one of the most vital tools of resilience.
Science tells us that gratitude leads to reduced stress and increased joy, while spiritual wisdom teaches us that gratefulness is the key to being fully awake and alive in body and soul. Gratitude turns what we have into enough. Research constantly demonstrates that grateful individuals experience increased happiness, reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety and an overall sense of life satisfaction. The voice of Brene Brown, the American academic and podcaster, touches the essence.
“I don’t have to choose extraordinary moments to find happiness. Its right in front of me, if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude”.
In times of crisis, it can feel as if the world is being torn apart by forces beyond our control. However, when we shift our focus towards gratitude we can build emotional resilience, foster deeper connections and find new strength to navigate even the most difficult challenges.
Gratefulness then does not negate the reality of hardship; rather, it helps to acknowledge what we have and what is working, which can provide a sense of stability, that becomes the foundation on which we can build resilience, hope and optimism for the future.
“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” ― G.K. Chesterton
Liz (Elizabeth) Hartigan, a Sister of Our Lady of the Missions (RNDM), now retired and living a semi active life in an aging community in Dublin Ireland, after spending over fifty years on mission outside her own country. She is an Educator with teacher training from Liverpool UK and Degrees in Psychology and Theology.
Apart from many years in schools, her ministry has taken her to work with adults with disabilities, pastoral ministry in prison and in parish. She has served the Congregation on Leadership Teams both internationally and locally and feels privileged to have experienced the hard-working missionary spirit of RNDM’s in many needy and difficult areas throughout the world. At present she is Province contact for “Care of Our Common Home” Congregational project as well as enjoying the services she gives in community and in the area.
Thank you Liz for your inspiring reflection on the importance of practicing gratitude. Especially today, when so many destructive and vile words spill from our television and internet screens into our lives.
As you say, when I/we practice gratitude, an opening is created; a possibility to experience the world differently. Or as a friend said to me many years ago, no matter how deeply negativity and evil digs into me, God digs in deeper.
I needed to read this to be reminded, again, to resist the temptation to let myself become overwhelmed by the bad news and sad news around me, and to work to re-orient to find the balance and live the tension.
Also, I smiled when I read the Chesterton quote. It brought to mind Sr. Mary Loyola, my first-year English prof at University of Saskatchewan who was an avid Chesterton fan and editor of the Chesterton Review (and incidentally, instrumental in my introduction to and brief time with the RNDMs, for which I am eternally grateful!) I am sure she and Chesteron are having spirited conversations!