четверг, 20 декабря 2018 г.

The Meaning Of Gratitude In Life

By Mark Thompson


Giving thanks is often something associated with organized religion. While this is the case, there are some individuals whom also give thanks to the animals, plants and sea life which provide most of the sustenance needed to sustain life. Whereas, others give thanks to the farmers whom grow other foods which can not be found easily in nature. In either case, it should be noted that while giving thanks is a good thing, it is different from the meaning of gratitude and gratefulness.

There are basically two aspects when it comes to gratitude, one is related to appreciation and the other is related to accepting tangible and intangible gifts which are provided freely. As such, when giving a gift of appreciation, one is giving a gift of gratitude. Whereas, if accepting such a gift, the recipient is often grateful and appreciative.

While most religions see gratitude as giving thanks to God, the definition actually has nothing to do with giving thanks but rather being thankful for what one has received. In some cases, gratitude for the gift of life while not a prayer does show that an individual is appreciative of the gift of life. In fact, one writer Joanna Macy suggest that gratitude is a part of most organized religions, mystics and pagans and is a source of true art.

Scientists, monks and others all tend to agree that showing appreciation is a counterpart of being grateful. Whereas, one monk suggest that gratitude is a feeling or response an individual experiences when receiving a gift freely regardless of monetary value. In another case, a scientist suggest that it is an affirmation of the good aspects of life. In either case, people tend to agree that it is a feeling or response to having accepted something good.

A number of scientists agree that the source of goodness lies outside the self. While there are others whom suggest people are born with behavioral traits which can be either bad or good depending on brain issues and other factors. Regardless, most all people agree that when given a gift freely without expectation, recipients are often grateful.

Gratefulness, whatever the definition, is often considered a primary element when it comes to living a happy life. People who lack a sense of gratitude or gratefulness are often left desiring and wanting more on an ongoing basis. As a result, to avoid ongoing disappointments in life, it is important to always be grateful for gifts which are provided freely whether tangible or intangible, large or small.

When individuals can be grateful and content, having a happy and satisfied life is more likely than otherwise. For, individuals whom have an ongoing desire for something different, something else, something more, will most likely experience far more disappointment than those whom can be satisfied with the basic needs of life. As such, in order to have the best chance at a happy life, it is important to recognize that needs and wants are two different things and to be happy that basic needs are being met.

Life is one gift most people can say is one given freely. While this is the case, there are some individuals whom are more grateful for life than others. Whereas, there are also others whom give thanks and are grateful for life each and every day. In either case, regardless of how the human race was created, the planet on which we live is one for which all need to be grateful.




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