Sunday, December 23, 2018

The Meaning Of Gratitude In Life

By Mark Thompson


When it comes to giving thanks, there are different methods based on whether a person is religious, spiritual, agnostic or atheist. In all cases, there are ways to give thanks. Whereas, when it comes to the meaning of gratitude, there are two basic principles which are associated with being grateful.

The most well known of these two principles is that of appreciation. Whereas, the second is related to all that in life which is provided freely. When celebrating holidays such as Thanksgiving, most people give thanks to a higher power or powers or to that which had been sacrificed with regards to the food being served.

Organized religions often see gratitude as thanking God for a miracle or a prayer that has been answered. In reality, the definition of gratitude has nothing to do with God or religion. For those whom desire to give thanks to God, there is nothing wrong in doing so.

Monks, scientists and others all agree that appreciation is a counterpart of being grateful. Whereas, as one monk also suggest, gratis is a response to that which has been provided freely regardless of monetary worth. While one of the leading scientists suggest it is rather an affirmation of all things which are good, most people tend to agree that gratitude is a feeling which occurs in response to having received a tangible or intangible gift.

A number of scientists agree that the source of goodness lies outside the self. While there are others whom suggest people are born with behavioral traits which can be either bad or good depending on brain issues and other factors. Regardless, most all people agree that when given a gift freely without expectation, recipients are often grateful.

Gratefulness, whatever the definition, is often considered a primary element when it comes to living a happy life. People who lack a sense of gratitude or gratefulness are often left desiring and wanting more on an ongoing basis. As a result, to avoid ongoing disappointments in life, it is important to always be grateful for gifts which are provided freely whether tangible or intangible, large or small.

Unless individuals can be content and grateful, there will always be a sense of emptiness which will reside within body, mind and spirit. Whereas, if having a strong sense of gratitude for all things large and small, the more likely the person will be happy and satisfied throughout life. While, those whom are always longing for something different, something else or something more, will most likely experience far more disappointment than happiness.

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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