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The Underrated Virtue of Gratitude

I have written about gratitude in some of my earlier posts as well. I write about it again today, because I feel its extremely underrated tool towards betterment. I feel that people nowadays tend to complain a lot, and sometimes they have valid reasons to do so.  I agree with their concerns but I wonder if they are looking at the bigger picture.

I am not immune to complaining and cribbing either.. I am no saint and things do affect me.  But, I learnt early in my life that appreciating the little things in life helps us be not dissappointed and we tend to get pleasantly surprised often with the gifts that life brings to us. By keeping our hearts open we discover that the world gives us back more than we expect. 

Gratitude is a calming balm for our mind and heart, reminding us that even in uncertain times, there is always something to be thankful for. 

Some of my previous posts around the same theme :

Gratitude is a muscle that can be developed with practice. Start small. Start it today. 
Taking just a few minutes regularly to write down what you’re grateful for can truly transform your mindset. 

Here’s how it helps: 
Shifts Your Perspective: Focusing on the positive aspects of your life helps you see the silver linings, even on tough days. 
Reduces Anxiety & Depression: Research shows that expressing gratitude can lead to lower levels of anxiety and depression, promoting a more optimistic outlook. 
Enhances Well-Being: This simple practice brings feelings of contentment and joy, helping you appreciate the little things. 
Encourages Reflection: Taking time to reflect on your blessings cultivates mindfulness and a deeper connection to your life. 

In today's world, where uncertainty can be overwhelming, cultivating gratitude can be a powerful anchor. It helps us stay grounded, focused on the present, and be appreciative of what we have, rather than getting caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past.

I would end this post with a poem written by Kalidasa: 

SALUTATION TO THE DAWN 

Look to this day! 
For it is life, the very life of life. 
In its brief course 
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence: 
The bliss of growth 
The glory of action 
The splendour of achievement. 
For yesterday is but a dream 
And tomorrow is only a vision, 
But today well lived makes yesterday a dream of happiness 
And every tomorrow a vision of hope. 
Look well, therefore, to this day! 
Such is the salutation to the dawn.


Comments

  1. Jo mil gya vo mitti, jo na mila vo sona.

    Lack of gratitude is wired into us due to hedonic adaptation.

    This keeps us moving towards growth as well as keeps us unsatisfied.

    A double edged sword.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading the post and sharing your interesting perspective.
      I am not convinced that lack of gratitude can be the primary driver of growth. It can only result in dissatisfaction and unhappiness and narrowed focus on whats lacking rather than whats present.
      In my view gratitude can facilitate more sustainable and fulfilling growth

      Delete

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