Gratitude is a concept usually associated with religion and spirituality rather than psychology. Emmons and McCullough at the University of CAL Davis have been engaging in scienctifc research designed to create a body of data on gratitude. They found that grateful people were happier and reported positive states of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness and energy. The researchers report that those individuals who kept a weekly gratitude journal exercised more regularly, reported fewer illnesses, and felt better about their lives as a whole. Grateful people are more likely to help others and are more empathic, maybe because they felt more connected to others. Those who engaged in religious practices such as prayer, religious reading or worship were more grateful. Finally grateful individuals placed less importance on accumulating wealth and were more likely to share their possessions with others.It seems like there is truth and wisdom in the adage that urges us, 'to count our blessings'.
What are you grateful for today?
At this moment I am personally grateful for ---
--- the beautiful sunny yet cool autumn day
--- a friend who sent a funny card, 'just because'
--- clients who allow me to journey with them
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