Simply expressing gratitude for a favor by saying 'I am thankful,' or uttering 'Thank God' in response to God's blessings, doesn't completely capture the essence of gratitude. Saying 'Thank God' is a way to express gratitude, but it isn't the entirety of it. True gratitude is deeply meaningful, encompassing appreciation, awareness of limitations, and recognition of rights.
Gratitude is a commendable attribute and, as we know, God is the Greatest Good. Therefore, He possesses this attribute to perfection and is thus referred to as 'The Most Grateful'.
But what does the attribute 'The Most Grateful' mean for God? Does it mean that God is grateful to Himself? Or does He express gratitude to His servants?
God is called 'The Most Grateful' due to His appreciation and valuation. It means He does not equate good and bad deeds on the same scale and does not diminish the significance of each servant's actions and deeds.
In order to be genuinely appreciative and grateful, one must acknowledge and understand the value of the blessings bestowed by God. This involves comprehending the intended purpose and objective of each blessing and utilizing them in the appropriate manner.
Take, for instance, the gift of sight: does true gratitude for this gift merely entail verbal acknowledgment, such as saying, 'God, thank you for bestowing upon me the gift of sight'?
Authentic gratitude manifests when these blessings – be they the gift of sight, language, intellect, emotions, affections, offspring, wealth, health, or any other gift – are not misdirected or used inappropriately but employed in alignment with their true purpose.
Expressing gratitude in this manner is a simple yet deeply impactful and valuable act, demonstrating profound love and attention.
Researchers, after more than a decade of studying the effects of gratitude, have concluded that people of any culture or creed can foster a profoundly positive and calming feeling towards themselves and life by expressing gratitude and appreciation towards God and the kindness of others.
Whenever a person's attitude towards life is positive and optimistic, their spirit is strengthened, and they will feel as much happiness and bliss. They will be less anxious, can create a very good balance in their life, and gradually completely distance themselves from destructive emotions.
Furthermore, having a good feeling about life leads to the production of more antibodies by the body's immune system, making the individual more resistant to disease-causing agents.
Stay with us as we proceed to discuss the positive effects of gratitude:
Optimism
According to a study conducted at the University of California, regular expressions of gratitude and appreciation can significantly enhance your sense of optimism towards life. Additionally, optimism has a considerable impact on both the mind and the body.
Strengthening the Body
Daily gratitude and reminding oneself of the many divine blessings increase positive feelings and emotions, leading to the release of dopamine and serotonin in the body.
When gratitude is expressed and/or received, the brain releases dopamine and serotonin, two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for our emotions. Dopamine and serotonin contribute to feelings of pleasure, happiness, and overall well-being.
It is similar to the effect of exercise on the body and its strengthening.
Genuine Happiness
In a study, participants who wrote letters of gratitude to people who had a positive impact on their lives experienced an increased sense of joy.
Genuine authentic happiness is a state of being that is characterized by feelings of joy, contentment, and fulfillment.
Strengthening Relationships
A researcher in the field of gratitude states that when we truly recognize the value of family and friends, we treat them better, and as a result, our relationships strengthen. In social interactions, one of the factors that foster affection and strengthen relationships is having a spirit of gratitude and appreciation towards others.
A study in 2014 demonstrated that individuals who express more gratitude and appreciation towards their surroundings and friends tend to have more enduring friendships and relationships.
Additionally, according to research by experts, it has been found that couples who appreciate each other have significantly fewer problems compared to other couples and possess a much more positive outlook towards their shared life and future.
Strengthening Benevolence
Expressing gratitude towards someone who has done us a favor not only makes them feel good but also encourages them to extend the same kindness to others.
Reducing Depression
Interestingly, depression often stems from a deep but hidden form of selfishness. As long as we remain in a purely receiving state, expecting everything, including affection, to be handed to us, we are likely to feel depressed. The victorious counteraction of gratitude against this hidden selfishness in appreciative individuals can prevent the onset of depression.
By performing the following exercises, you can not only strengthen your sense of gratitude but also cultivate a more deeply ingrained attitude of gratefulness:
Making a Gratitude List
At the start of your day, list 10 blessings, both big and small ones , that you currently have.
Simply ask yourself at this moment, 'What am I grateful for? Is that the clothes that I am wearing? Or the food I eat? Good friends? And so on...'
Doing this exercise for just a few days will lead to a greater sense of happiness than before.
Being Present in the Moment
Try to focus your attention on your current place in life. Look around you and observe the small, ordinary events – feel and hear them. Like the sound of birds, natural scenery, the laughter of children, and so on. Getting absorbed in the daily grind can lead to indifference and ingratitude. This exercise helps you to see life from a new and different perspective and to be grateful.
An Unbiased View Towards Life
Although it's hard, consciously try as much as possible not to judge. Step back and try to observe the situation from an external perspective, not just from your personal viewpoint.
It implies adopting an impartial or neutral perspective, free from preconceptions or prejudices, when considering or dealing with life's events and situations.
Reflect on the events of the day before sleep!
Take a few deep breaths and relax. Then begin to visualize the events of the day in order as if you're watching a movie.
Even if you think nothing extraordinary happened today, try to think of the small things that you are happy to have, like a comfortable place to sleep.
Revisiting Thoughts
What do you mostly think about? What issues do you discuss with others? Have you considered this? To examine your thoughts, it might be better to write them down daily. After a week, take a look at them. If you find that you've mostly been complaining about life, definitely work on your thoughts and change them by focusing on your blessings and what you have.
Turn Complaining into Gratitude
Sometimes a person needs to vent by complaining and grumbling. But every time you intend to express a pointless and annoying complaint, do the opposite instead.
Gratitude is a Choice
The direction of your life is in your own hands, and you can choose how to react. If you cultivate positive thoughts and attitudes in your mind, you will be happier, healthier, and more satisfied.
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