November 16, 2017
Since modern day researchers have found that living a life of gratitude improves lives in the psychological, social, spiritual, physical, and cognitive realms, you might wonder if practicing gratitude might help you in your life. I believe it can. Consider the results of the study on gratitude conducted by Jane Taylor Wilson. She recruited college students to receive a series of texts over the course of a semester. Students received three types of texts; at the beginning of the week a text would remind the students to begin a class with an intention to have a grateful attitude throughout the class, a second type of text was sent at the end of the week, and reminded the students to reflect on the previous week and ponder 3-5 specific blessings related to learning. This second text also reminded them to appreciate the value of these specific blessings. The third type of text was a mid-week reminder to think about the students’ professors and fellow students that were helping the student to learn and take the time to express gratitude for those who were helping the student to learn.
It seems that from the results of this study and other studies of gratitude that a discipline of gratitude can be helpful; of less stress, increased focus and resilience. Won’t you try gratitude?
Questions for Reflection:
1. How might my life be different if I were more grateful?
2. What would a practice of gratitude look like for me?
3. Can therapy help me work through my resistance to thankfulness?
4. How does shame and guilt hinder being thankful?
R. David Johns has a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision, and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in the state of Colorado. As a counselor and therapist he works with people to better understand the flow of gratitude throughout their life. For an appointment call 303-642-6636 or email at [email protected]
References
Wilson, J. T. (2016). Brightening the mind: The impact of practicing gratitude on focus and
resilience in learning. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning , 16 (4), 1-13.
Photos courtesy of Freepik and Pixabay.