Why Gratitude
I recall my mother telling me during my childhood days that as soon as I get up, I should go to the Pooja room and offer prayers. She has put in my mind that I would not have been alive and healthy without His Grace.
I was taught in the school that I have to thank for every support or help I receive without minding who the other person is.
I did not initially understand the significance of the above till I studied Thirukural (Tamil language text consisting of 1330 couplets) in the school. Ten couplets are devoted to Gratitude. I realized that all the above acts are expressions of Gratitude. Both at home and at school, they were rigorously cultivating in me the attitude of Gratitude. It is being grateful or thankful to someone for what you are and for what you have today.
The final stroke was from my master and coaching mentor Gaurav Arora who instils in everyone the habit of journalizing and sharing gratitude (Shukrana) at the end of every day. I am not there yet in journalizing and sharing, though I am ever grateful to all and for everything that happens in life.
What is Gratitude? Is it an emotion or virtue or behavior… to me it’s the mother of all virtues. It further strengthens patience, humility, contentment, positivity, etc. It is the social glue that fortifies relationships and changes strangers to friends. Don't you agree that “Gratitude is riches; complaint is poverty” - Doris Day
There is a clear link between religion, culture and gratitude. Every festival is an act of gratitude to God for all that He provides to us. On Guru Purnima day, we offer our gratitude to all saints/sages and teachers for the wisdom and guidance provided. In Christianity, Thanks giving means confession, praise and offering. America as a nation celebrates Thanksgiving day for the blessings of harvest.
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Recently, there has been a lot of research in the understanding of gratitude. Neuroscience have identified brain areas that are involved in experiencing and expressing gratitude. A lot of studies are underway in understanding personality factors associated with dispositional gratitude and traits that are barrier to gratitude.
How does it help us? “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder” - G K Chesterton. Yes, it ensures better physical and psychological health, increased happiness and satisfaction. It is true that “When we focus on gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in” - Kristin Armstrong.
As we start the new year, let us resolve to express our gratitude freely and daily and nothing else is more important than giving thanks instantaneously.
"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."—Marcel Proust
Child Rights Activist Child Rights Pocso Trainer at Concept of Living and Former Chairperson CWC and Former Social Member JJB
1 年Thank you for posting this msg.
Manager, Content Management and Publishing at Wolters Kluwer India
1 年Thank you for this article. I practice gratitude by saying "thank you" to each and every person that helps me through the day, even if I meet them every day. I also have a practice to address the people by name whom I wish to thank, so that I can make the 'thanks' more personal ??. M S Mani Sir, could you please let me know those couplets from Thirukural; I would like to learn. Thanks! ??
Vice President
1 年Gratitude is an emotion to convey Thank You! Its highly powerful word. Whereas sorry is a statement.
Obstetrician gynecologist , published author, publishing director (professional publishing), mentor and course director for MRCOG online course. Founder of the initiative, Lets talk Woman's health
1 年Expressing gratitude for the smallest of things in life, some of which we tend to take for granted, is a great way of attracting other good things which we may be aspiring to have. This article reminds of the lyrics of a carol which was sung by the choir in our school assembly, “count your blessings, name them one by one and you will be surprised to see what the God has done.” “When you are burdened with the load of care, when the cross seems heavy you are called to bear, count your many blessings, every doubt will fly and you will be singing as the days go by…
Technology Leadership & Strategy | Generative AI | Digital Transformation | Solution & Knowledge Platforms | Product Management | Project Management | IT Infra Services & Support | Large Team Management
1 年True that Sir. Gratitude enriches life, fostering positivity, humility, connection, kindness, and appreciation, creating a meaningful, fulfilling existence.