Tuesday 18 December 2018

The Meaning Of Gratitude In Life

By Mark Thompson


Most often people give thanks for blessings either to the provider or a higher power or powers. For others, giving thanks to the farmers whom spent time sowing and reaping crops or to the plants, animals and sea life which were sacrificed for food is more appropriate. While this is the case, it is important to note that the meaning of gratitude is something different from that of 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.

Organized religions often see gratitude as thanking God for a miracle or a prayer that has been answered. In reality, the definition of gratitude has nothing to do with God or religion. For those whom desire to give thanks to God, there is nothing wrong in doing so.

Monks, scientists and others all agree that appreciation is a counterpart of being grateful. Whereas, as one monk also suggest, gratis is a response to that which has been provided freely regardless of monetary worth. While one of the leading scientists suggest it is rather an affirmation of all things which are good, most people tend to agree that gratitude is a feeling which occurs in response to having received a tangible or intangible gift.

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.

In the dictionary, the definition of gratitude is a feeling or response in reaction to a gift which is freely given. Whereas, gratefulness is showing appreciation for the thought behind the gift. As such, while the two are connected, the definitions are separate and apart. For, in one case there is a feeling or response while the other relates to being grateful for a gift.

Individuals whom are grateful and content often live the happiest lives. For, those whom are never satisfied and are always left wanting of something different, something else or something more often experience more disappointment in life. Whereas, those whom have a strong sense of gratitude and know the difference between needs and wants can often find happiness even when only 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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment