Explore how gratitude can transform mental health and relationships in a busy world. Discover the psychological and neurological benefits tied to gratitude, supported by biblical teachings. Learn practical strategies for cultivating intentional gratitude amidst life’s chaos. Delve into the significance of daily reminders of salvation and meaningful Thanksgiving experiences. This conversation encourages deeper, reflective gratitude, highlighting personal stories and practices to enhance appreciation during challenging times.
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Quick takeaways
Gratitude is a learned behavior that requires intentional effort and reflection, especially in our busy modern lives.
Practices like writing gratitude letters and deepening expressions of thanks can enhance appreciation and strengthen social connections all year round.
Deep dives
The Foundation of Gratitude in Psychology
Gratitude is rooted in positive emotional psychology, which suggests that focusing on positive aspects of life can lead to improved mental well-being. Research indicates that gratitude can enhance pro-social behavior, not only towards others but also fostering self-care and kindness. By engaging with positive emotions, individuals can broaden their outlook and build stronger relationships with others, including spiritual connections. This understanding emphasizes that cultivating a habit of gratitude is essential for both personal growth and strengthening social ties.
Barriers to Expressing Gratitude
In modern society, busyness is identified as a major obstacle to the practice of gratitude, often leaving little room for reflection on positive experiences. The tendency to focus on urgent tasks can overshadow moments of appreciation, making it challenging to recognize and cultivate gratitude in our daily lives. Additionally, it is noted that gratitude is not an innate trait and often requires intentional effort and reminders, similar to how children need to be taught to express thanks. This insight underlines the need for setting aside time and creating routines that prioritize moments of gratitude.
Practical Approaches to Cultivating Gratitude
Implementing specific practices can help individuals and families better appreciate gratitude, especially during Thanksgiving. Encouraging depth in expressing thanks by asking not just what one is grateful for, but why, can lead to richer conversations and greater understanding. Activities like writing gratitude letters or conducting gratitude tributes serve to reinforce these connections and acknowledge the impact of others in one's life. These practices aim to foster a culture of appreciation that extends beyond a single day and encourages deeper reflection on the positives in life.
With the Thanksgiving season upon us, we thought it fitting to do some theological and psychological reflection on gratitude. Join us for this stimulating conversation with Rosemead Professor Dr. Stacy Eltiti, as we explore dimensions of gratitude that you might not have thought about before. It can be applied all year round, not just during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Dr. Stacy Eltiti is Associate Professor of Psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. She has a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from the University of Essex in the UK. Among her areas of expertise is the psychology of gratitude. She has written and presented widely in a variety of areas on the field of psychology.
This episode was originally posted in 2019.
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Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California.
To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.
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