Fate may have dealt us with a blow: a diagnosis of a fatal disease; an urgent need to be hospitalized; a failing mark in one’s studies; a breakup with a boy/girl friend; loss of a loved one; and many others. Some of us may be so discouraged and depressed that we resort to self destruction, violence, and other acts which we may regret later. But let us find solace in this verse, when we find ourselves caught in the “web of life.”
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
The fourth Thursday of November each year, millions of people in the United States celebrate Thanksgiving—with a golden stuffed turkey and traditional dishes at the center of an overflowing table. In most cultures, this is held at harvest time. In the Philippines, we also celebrate Thanksgiving Day but in a simple manner. We bring to the altar products from the farm and other goods to indicate our gratitude for God’s presence in our lives.
To express gratitude seems to be a powerful and almost universal phenomenon. But why is this so? In a book, Gratitude Works!: A 21-day Program for Creating Emotional Prosperity, by Dr. Robert A. Emmons, he tried to discover the concept of gratitude —the forgotten factor in the science of well-being. To assess people’s levels of thankfulness, he and his colleague, Michael E. McCullough, through a questionnaire, compared “grateful” people” to those who were less so. They also found ways to cultivate gratitude in test subjects —keeping a “gratitude journal,” counting one’s blessings, writing letters to friends—then they studied changes that occurred as a result.
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The results of the above study as well as those of others—both psychological and physiological—are fascinating. Here are five reasons why giving thanks is actually good for you.
– Counting blessings boosts your health. In Emmons and McCullough’s study, research showed that grateful people had less depression and stress, lower blood pressure, more energy and greater optimism.
– Slow down the aging clock. The above researchers also found out that a daily practice of gratitude even slowed down of the effects of neurodegeneration that often occurs as we age.
– Put the brakes down on stress. The “stress hormone” cortisol, which when produced in large amounts, can deplete the immune system and raise blood sugar levels. A study which was conducted in the Institute of HeartMath Research Center in California revealed that positive emotions like appreciation significantly lowered levels of cortisol.
– Being thankful helps you bond. A research done by U.S. psychologists Sara Algoe and Baldwin Way reveals that gratitude also can lead to better relationships. The reason for this may be connected to increased production of oxytocin, also called the “bonding hormone,” which is believed to foster calm and security in relationships.
– Gratefulness = good for heart and waistline? In a research which Emmons cites in his book Gratitude Works!, people with high blood pressure who actively express thankfulness “can achieve up to 10 percent reduction in systolic blood pressure and decrease their dietary fat intake by up to 20 percent.” (Abbott, life to the fullest. Living fully). So, make a commitment to write down at least three things you’re grateful for each day for 30 days. Make each one as specific as possible—there’s value in the details.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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Author’s email: [email protected]
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