Gratitude
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – G. K. Chesterton “The root of joy is gratefulness.” – David Steindl-Rast Modern research tells us that gratitude increases happiness, optimism, energy and resilience, and improves mental and physical health, sleep, relationships and (apparently) even personality. There are thus many good rational reasons for cultivating gratitude. But when we feel truly grateful we are not thinking about the benefits for ourselves! Our focus is on the person or thing we are grateful to: other people, the world, God or Nature. Gratitude is a feeling directed outside of our limited selves – that is why it has been advocated by all the major religions, by [...]