GRATITUDE FRIDAY

The Practice of Gratitude is Much More Than a List

Understand the rich blessings that can reshape your heart and soul

Spirit, help me to understand the beautiful ways that You incorporate the richness of gratitude into my heart, mind, body, and soul.

Many people view gratitude as a thing you do — a list you keep. Pulling out that journal and jotting down a few (or a lot) of things that you are grateful for in that day. No shame in that. That’s a great place to start.

The reason why I began a practice of gratitude is because I learned that gratitude has a way of reshaping your brain. In fact, Psychology Today noted 7 scientific benefits of gratitude. The one that caught my eye was the last one — Gratitude increases mental strength.

Recognizing all that you have to be thankful for — even during the worst times — fosters resilience.

— Amy Morin, Psychology Today

For those who have endured trauma (which is likely more people than not), the practice of gratitude helps overcome it. The way I interpret that is that gratitude flips the switch from suffering to understanding that there is Light in the darkness.

There is a connection between the practice of gratitude and your brain. People who acknowledge the blessings in their life tend to be happier. But there is more. There really is a rich complexity to gratitude that reshapes your narrative, brain, and psyche.

There is something to be said for using more positive words to describe your life and situation than negative words, as it can shift your heart, mind, body, and soul away from toxic emotions.

You don’t have to share the gratitude you have with anyone. Stick with journaling. After all, it’s your connection to gratitude and God that is most important.

Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. — Philippians 4:6

I admit there are times when you’ve been given some hard news or had a major loss, and you struggle with seeing the blessing. It might take some time.

That’s ok.

Just promise yourself that you will keep moving towards gratitude so that you can receive the richness that it has to offer.

No one said that living life would be easy. Not even Jesus.

In fact, Jesus walks alongside people and guides them to wholeness. I think of the leper being lowered through a hole in the ceiling for complete healing. I think of the woman at the well. I think of the woman who was being chastised by the Pharisees, and Jesus stepped up and drew a line in the sand, saying, “Enough!”

The point is there is love. And when you can turn to gratitude, you will see more love in your life. I wonder if those three individuals said thanks for helping me out. I mean, when you’re hanging on for dire medical help and hope for healing, or you’re being bullied or marginalized, it’s nice when someone comes alongside you in solidarity.

Also, gratitude helps you accept change, along with boosting your mental health and easing stress. Seems like a win-win to me!

Gratefulness is a touchstone, offering us what we need not simply to survive difficult times but to appreciate them for their exquisite complexity, buried blessings, rich opportunities, and deep teachings.

— Kristi Nelson

Reflection

How has your practice of gratitude affected you? Have there been noticeable changes? Maybe someone has mentioned something to you.

I sometimes use the practice of Examen, which helps me notice the moments when God has shown up.

Putting it into practice

Take some time to jot down some blessings or gratitude in your life right now.

Each day, spend a few minutes to make a mental note or jot them in a journal. This does not need to be a lengthy practice. And remember that each day will hold its own gratitude or blessings.

The point of this is that eventually, you will begin to notice the blessings surrounding you on a regular basis, even when you hit times of hardship. You can still add some of the basics to your gratitude list, especially when you are struggling.

And, if you can’t today or that day, it’s ok. Return to it the next day.

May you see the gratitude within you and around you.

May you know that you are loved because you matter. May your soul be refreshed.