As the interest in positive psychology has grown, more books have been coming out for the general public on various strategies to cultivate more happiness, to increase optimism, and to teach forgiveness and compassion. There are several books on gratitude that we have found inspirational and helpful for individuals who want to incorporate this strength into a more regular practice.
Scientifically speaking, regular grateful thinking can increase happiness by as much as 25 percent, while keeping a gratitude journal for as little as three weeks results in better sleep and more energy. Grateful people report higher levels of other positive emotions, more vitality, greater life satisfaction and less depression and stress. Parents should know that children who practice grateful thinking have more positive attitudes towards both school and their family as well.
One of good ones is called Thanks!: How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier by Robert Emmons, published in 2008. Robert Emmons is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Positive Psychology and a professor of psychology at the University of California at Davis. His book begins with scientific findings about the importance of gratitude, weaving in the writings of philosophers, novelists, and theologians to illustrate the benefits of grateful living. Thanks! ends by offering readers some practical strategies for becoming more grateful. These include ideas such as keeping a gratitude journal, learning prayers of gratitude, and using visual reminders.
Another book that we have used for much longer is called Gratefulness, The Heart of Prayer: An Approach to Life in Fullness by Brother David Steindl-Rast and Henri J. M. Nouwen. This classic has been on our shelf since 1984 when it was first published. Since then it has sold more than 65,000 copies and keeps selling. Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk and contemplative, was addressing this subject long before it became so popular and yet has continued to cultivate quite a large following. Perhaps it is due to his playful and poetic approach, or to the way that he has so genuinely put the ideas into practice. We were lucky enough to have met and spent time with Brother David over thirty years ago. We were touched then, and still treasure our memories of his warmth, earthiness, brilliant mind, sense of humor and gentle heart.
I write letters from my Soul, send them to friends and often perfect strangers, then listen to the echos of gratitude. What I do quietly, without expectation for anything in return, reflects the gratitude i have for my life. I live, I love, I learn… then give it all away. One of my favorite poets, Rumi, once wrote: If I hold you with my emotions, you’ll become a wished-for companion. If I hold you with my eyes, you’ll grow old and die. So I hold you here, where we both mix with the Infinite……Have a brilliant day. Thank you.