OM093 – A Brief Meditation On The Life-Changing Power of Gratitude

In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.  – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

On a recent weekend retreat, I experienced some challenging moments. It’s not the first time.

In my life, I’ve gone on more silent retreats than I can count. Two-day, ten-day, 21-day silent meditation retreats. So it wasn’t the first time I encountered some turbulence.

But what was different was the guidance I received from within. It was super simple—be grateful. Say thank you!

Discovering the Power of Gratitude

This simple inner directive changed the way I experienced the retreat. And more importantly, it changed the way I experience my life beyond the retreat.

In today’s show, we explore the life and brain-changing power of gratitude.

What does the science tell us about the benefits of gratitude? What are the psychological, emotional, physiological, and spiritual effects of practicing gratitude every day?

Studies show that gratitude can change your life. Here’s how. It can:

1. Make you happier
2. Reduce your inner fears
3. Strengthen your positive emotions
4. Make you more optimistic
5. Increase your self esteem
6. Improve your sleep

As we buckle up for yet another orbit around the sun, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we’re grateful for…and more importantly, let’s give gratitude its due.

If you look with patience and perseverance, I think you might find that you have more to be grateful for than you originally thought.

Links

• In Praise of Gratitude – Harvard Health
• How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain – Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley
• 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude – Psychology Today

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