The Meaning Of Gratitude In Life

By Mark Thompson


Giving thanks is often something associated with organized religion. While this is the case, there are some individuals whom also give thanks to the animals, plants and sea life which provide most of the sustenance needed to sustain life. Whereas, others give thanks to the farmers whom grow other foods which can not be found easily in nature. In either case, it should be noted that while giving thanks is a good thing, it is different from the meaning of gratitude and gratefulness.

There are some basic aspects of gratitude which include that of appreciation and that of having been giving gifts freely without expectation. In most cases, gifts are tangible items though there are also intangible ones. Most often these are related to helping out with chores, spending time with, or taking care of sick loved ones.

While most religions see gratitude as giving thanks to God, the definition actually has nothing to do with giving thanks but rather being thankful for what one has received. In some cases, gratitude for the gift of life while not a prayer does show that an individual is appreciative of the gift of life. In fact, one writer Joanna Macy suggest that gratitude is a part of most organized religions, mystics and pagans and is a source of true art.

Scientists, monks and others all tend to agree that showing appreciation is a counterpart of being grateful. Whereas, one monk suggest that gratitude is a feeling or response an individual experiences when receiving a gift freely regardless of monetary value. In another case, a scientist suggest that it is an affirmation of the good aspects of life. In either case, people tend to agree that it is a feeling or response to having accepted something good.

Scientists tend to agree that the source of goodness resides outside of self. While there are others whom believe people are born with inherit good and bad behavior. In most cases, these judgments are based on issues such as chemical imbalances in the brain or birth defects. Whereas, most all agree that any gifts which are provided freely are the most beneficial in the future.

Whatever the definition, gratefulness is often considered a key element to happiness in life. For, people whom are not grateful often always have wants and desires which when not acquired can build an ongoing sense of disappointment. As such, it is important to be appreciative and grateful even for the smallest things in life.

When individuals can be grateful and content, having a happy and satisfied life is more likely than otherwise. For, individuals whom have an ongoing desire for something different, something else, something more, will most likely experience far more disappointment than those whom can be satisfied with the basic needs of life. As such, in order to have the best chance at a happy life, it is important to recognize that needs and wants are two different things and to be happy that basic needs are being met.

While some people give thanks for life, others only show appreciation when overcoming an illness or trauma. In most cases, these individuals are grateful to have survived such an ordeal. Whereas, there are others whom only live to complain about things one does not have rather than giving thanks that basic needs are being met.




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