In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
On a recent weekend retreat, I experienced some challenging moments. It’s not the first time.
In my life, I’ve gone on more silent retreats than I can count. Two-day, ten-day, 21-day silent meditation retreats. So it wasn’t the first time I encountered some turbulence.
But what was different was the guidance I received from within. It was super simple—be grateful. Say thank you!
Discovering the Power of Gratitude
This simple inner directive changed the way I experienced the retreat. And more importantly, it changed the way I experience my life beyond the retreat.
In today’s show, we explore the life and brain-changing power of gratitude.
What does the science tell us about the benefits of gratitude? What are the psychological, emotional, physiological, and spiritual effects of practicing gratitude every day?
Studies show that gratitude can change your life. Here’s how. It can:
- Make you happier
- Reduce your inner fears
- Strengthen your positive emotions
- Make you more optimistic
- Increase your self esteem
- Improve your sleep
As we buckle up for yet another orbit around the sun, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we’re grateful for…and more importantly, let’s give gratitude its due.
If you look with patience and perseverance, I think you might find that you have more to be grateful for than you originally thought.
Links
- In Praise of Gratitude – Harvard Health
- How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain – Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley
- 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude – Psychology Today
YES !!! The simple word , Gratitude, ,,, how many times during the day do we say ‘thank you’ ? It becomes a habit … listening today makes me realize I need to slow down, dig deep, and take the time to be thankful for all the good and not so good in my life ! Thank you for that … Rosie
Hi Rosie,
That’s so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your insights around gratitude. I couldn’t agree more!
I love this podcast about gratitude. I find most of Morgan’s information rewarding and useful and appreciate receiving his emails. I’m new to meditation and he’s definitely a part of my journey…thank you!
Hi Carla,
Thank you so much. I’m really happy you find these resources rewarding and useful on your journey!
I’m not the best on communicating on computers but your session on gratitude was very special to me.. I recently read a book on Father Solanus Casey and was very impressed with his life. He was born into a large Irish family and grew up in rural Wisconsin. He learned his simple trust in God’s goodness from his family. He believed that every prayer would be answered in God’s own way. So convinced was Fr. Solanus of God’s providential care that he encouraged everyone to “thank God ahead of time.” As a Capuchin priest, he often shared the word, “appreciate” with others. Last November, I was privileged to be in Detroit for his Beatification, a step closer to becoming declared a Saint. Thank you for all you do and share on meditation.
That’s beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us about Father Solanus. He sounds like an amazing man! I love the idea of “thanking god ahead of time”. And I must say, I think you’re very effective at communicating on computers. 🙂 Thank you again!
Thank you Morgan for reminding us of that wonderful word and action, ‘GRATITUDE’ so often forgotten but so necessary and all encompassing for our mindfulness.
Hi Connie – Thanks so much! Yes, I completely agree. So easy to forget! And so important to remember. “Word AND Action”…yes!
Totally agree with you Morgan! Great article you have. Truly eye opening and I’ve learned a great deal from it. Just being thankful for all that you have and be contented by it can truly change your life for the better.
Just like you Morgan, I’m also an advocate of spreading words to find Inner Peace through meditation. Hope we can connect and talk more about our passion. Also, if you like, you can check out a FREE app that I developed which also aims in finding peace within. You can download the app at buff.ly/2DW1ZSD or check my website at http://www.iamthechangeiseek.org. Thank you and looking forward to connecting.
Thank you for reminding again that yes,Gratitude increases vibrations, cleanse energy circle as it is positive vibration.
Thank you.
Hi Priti,
Thanks so much. I’m glad you liked it. Yes, a virtuous circle indeed!
Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a system –, for example, care, or concentrating their psyche on a specific article, thought or movement – to prepare consideration and mindfulness, and accomplish a rationally clear and sincerely quiet state. I read your blog you have such a great amount of data about the distinctive contemplation systems.
Thanks so much for your feedback! I’m glad you found it helpful.
Thank you once again Morgan, as i lay here navigating a terminal dis-ease…I find your meditations very soothing, your voice is very gentle. I am gratefull when I remember to look around and take the time out of my pain and see all that i have and have experienced in my lifetime…you are truly helping me to see the gratitude as Grace, and Gracious, and Greatful. Blessed to have found your teachings.
Sincerely
Dee
Hi Dee! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m really glad to hear that you find these audios helpful. It means a lot coming from you. Please keep in touch.
Wow, Great article, really gratitude changes your life and the way you see things, it really makes you happy, some time ago I started this practice and that has changed my life
Greetings friends
Excellent! So glad to hear that Mark. Thanks for the feedback.
Gratitude to universe that I am able to connect pure souks like you on my journey!
Thanks for your kind words Happy.