In a world dominated by hustle culture and the constant push for self-improvement, we often forget about powerful practice: gratitude. It’s easy to get lost in the busyness of daily life, managing many tasks and chasing success while ignoring the good things and positive moments around us.
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.
Melody Beattie
Today, many people don’t even say “thank you.” Sometimes it’s because they feel entitled to everything they get and expect even more. Other times, they don’t recognize what others do for them. They can’t appreciate or respect what they receive because their low self-esteem prevents them from valuing the kindness they receive. Our happiness and satisfaction are closely linked to how much gratitude we show. If we are ungrateful and always feel we deserve more, we will be unhappy and frustrated. But our lives become much happier when we realize we have more than we deserve and are thankful for every small blessing. Gratitude is a valuable practice for maintaining your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. More: Your Choices Mirror Your Self-Evaluation
The superpower of gratitude
Imagine having a superpower that can rewire your brain, boost your mood, and help you find joy in even the simplest moments. That superpower is gratitude. Scientific studies have shown that practicing gratitude can significantly improve our brains and overall well-being. Dr. Robert Emmons, a leading researcher on gratitude, conducted a study where participants wrote down three things they were grateful for each day. The results were incredible—participants felt more positive emotions, slept better, and experienced greater happiness.
When we actively express gratitude, our brains change in remarkable ways. The pathways linked to negative emotions, like fear and stress, start to weaken, while those connected to positive feelings, like joy and empathy, become stronger. This process, called neuroplasticity, helps us develop a more optimistic outlook and better resilience in tough times. More: Top NLP Techniques for Personal Growth and Success
The benefits of gratitude go beyond just a temporary mood lift. Regularly practicing gratitude can lead to lasting changes in our brain structure, making a positive mindset our default setting. It’s like upgrading your mind’s software to focus on the good instead of dwelling on the negative.
Obstacles people find along the way
Negative emotions like fear, worry, anger, grief, depression, illusion, envy, and jealousy can make it hard to develop gratitude. When we’re focused on our problems or expectations, we can’t appreciate what we have.
Fear makes us worry about the future and ignore the present and past. Illusions can blind us to the goodness around us. For example, a big ego can make someone think only about themselves and not value others or recognize higher powers. On the other hand, feeling insecure or inferior can also block gratitude. Even if such a person receives a lot of help, they won’t feel grateful because their low self-esteem stops them from seeing the positive things in their life.
Some people never express gratitude, no matter how much you help them. Many people today don’t even say “thank you.” Sometimes it’s because they feel entitled and expect more. Other times, they don’t notice what others do for them. Their lack of self-esteem prevents them from appreciating the kindness they receive.
Learn to say “Thank you”
As spiritualists, we should embrace a spirit of gratitude. In our relationships with others, we should constantly think and say, “Thank you.” You should say thank you for teaching me to care for my children better, be a better student, and preach more effectively. Thank you for reminding me that every situation is a chance to serve and honor the Lord. Thank you for setting a good example. More: Discover Your True Path with North Node
Without sincere gratitude, our spiritual growth is blocked. We need to reach a level of gratitude where we can say, “Thank you, Lord, for letting me be sick and giving me the chance to read and reflect more. Thank you for helping me value my health.” When criticized, thank the person for helping you examine yourself. When praised, thank the Lord for revealing your ego and showing you need to reduce it.
Be grateful for everything—the Lord, His representatives, and everyone around us. Even feel gratitude towards those who have strayed, for showing us what to avoid.
Embracing humility and gratitude
When our ego is too inflated, we can’t appreciate others’ good behavior and get defensive instead of learning. But as we grow spiritually, life brings situations that help us see our progress and feel grateful. True spiritual growth makes us humble, realizing this progress isn’t solely our doing. The joy we experience deepens our humility, and though we may feel unworthy, we seek these experiences more.
Letting the Lord work through us brings positive changes and exciting new experiences. Those who are often sad, depressed, or worried rarely feel true gratitude, even in spiritual communities. Some focus only on the negatives due to low self-esteem or ego, missing the beauty around them. They look for flaws, cling to negativity, and wonder why they feel unfulfilled.
Even in the company of others, they dwell on personal desires. A novice spiritualist might also fall into this state, focusing only on their needs. However, true spiritual warriors think beyond themselves. More: Powerful Techniques to Protect Your Aura from Energy Suckers
Cultivating gratitude through mindfulness
Practicing gratitude aligns perfectly with mindfulness—the art of being fully present in the moment. By being mindful, we notice the beauty and blessings around us more clearly. Take mindful pauses throughout the day to appreciate simple pleasures. Notice the warmth of sunlight, the sound of distant laughter, or the gentle breeze on your skin. Engage your senses and immerse yourself in the present, letting gratitude fill you.
Create visual reminders of gratitude by placing inspiring quotes or photos around you. These gentle prompts help you pause, reflect, and appreciate the abundance in your life. Gratitude can transform our lives, revealing the beauty in ordinary moments. By rewiring our brains and embracing daily gratitude, we can find deep joy, contentment, and connection. Cultivating gratitude not only transforms us but also spreads positivity. When we express gratitude to others, we uplift their spirits and contribute to a more compassionate society. More: Heal Your Life: The Empowering Philosophy of Louise Hay
