Thursday, December 20, 2018

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.

Most organized religions, especially those of the Christian faith believe that gratitude is when people give thanks to God for the blessings in life. While this is the case, the definition is more about a response or feeling to gifts rather than giving thanks. Whereas, there is nothing wrong with giving thanks to God, or others for blessings bestowed upon oneself or others.

One monk has suggested that gratitude is a response to gifts which have been provided freely regardless of monetary value or worth. In another case, a lead scientist has suggested that it is actually an affirmation of having received something good. Most often, people agree that it is a feeling which occurs in response to having received a tangible or intangible gift without expectation of a gift in return.

Scientists tend to agree that the source of goodness resides outside of self. While there are others whom believe people are born with inherit good and bad behavior. In most cases, these judgments are based on issues such as chemical imbalances in the brain or birth defects. Whereas, most all agree that any gifts which are provided freely are the most beneficial in the future.

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.

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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