Summary
Clinical studies show that gratefulness strengthens feelings of health and wellbeing. Though gratitude does not make your problems disappear, it can help strip away the narcissism and mean, personal vanity that impedes feelings of gratitude. In their wonderful book, "Words of Gratitude for Mind, Body, and Soul," authors Robert A. Emmons, Joanna V. Hill and Brother David Steindl-Rast observe, "Gratitude is... more than a feeling, a virtue, or an experience; gratitude emerges as an attitude we can freely choose in order to create a better life for ourselves and for others." Taking the time to truly consider that for which we are grateful creates a fundamentally enduring perspective that reaches beyond mere politeness; it helps improve emotional and physical health and strengthens communal bonds.
In the Christian tradition, the story of Christ forms a powerful trope on gratitude. Christ sought a moral frame of reference that was quite beyond the selfish and materialistic concerns of society. He urged his followers to give away their possessions, live as servants and practice selfless acts of charity and love. He taught that one must first purge vain and materialistic concerns before one is able to achieve good. This purging of "the self," was beautifully embodied by Christ's admonition on the cross, "Forgive them father, they know not what they do." Even as they tore at his flesh, Christ acted without malice. His example teaches us that genuine religion means purging the ego and removing oneself from boorishness in order to experience genuine gratitude.According to a recent report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 50 million people - including almost one child in four - struggled to get enough to eat in 2007. According to the report, the number of children lacking dependable food sources catapulted from 700,000 to almost 1.1 million last year.See the full content of this document
Extract
Finding Gratitude in Difficult Times
Thanksgiving is traditionally a time and place to once again gather with family, enjoy the sweet aromas of turkey and cranberries, and to remember all the things for which you are grateful. With the recent economic downturn, many people will have thei...
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