During recent studies I (Sr. Sabina Muange) was co-leading a group therapy when my co-leader asked the group members to name one thing they were grateful for. Not surprisingly, this proved to be a challenge for them. To come up with just one thing they were grateful for, stumped them. However, when she reversed the question and asked the group about the challenges with which they struggle in life, within seconds, everyone could name several challenges.
My curiosity was piqued. It prompted me to do a bit of research about the impact of gratitude. I wanted to know how incorporating gratitude intervention can increase positive thinking, as well as improve the lives of clients who suffer from depression. I familiarized myself with a variety of studies all of which show how practicing gratitude can improve the wellness of clients. One of the researchers describes gratitude as an experience that includes a sense of thankfulness, wonder, and appreciation. When clients who suffered from depression were encouraged not only to acknowledge three good things each day for a week, but also were asked to identify its source, they began to feel happier. It did not come as a surprise to read that researchers have concluded that gratitude increases positive emotions, enhances optimism, and serves as a protective factor against stress and depression.
As we well know, stress has been slated as the number one killer, with depression close on its heels. As prevention is better than cure, all of us would do well to live our daily lives not only with a greater awareness of the many blessings we daily enjoy, but to actually name them with gratitude. Our annual celebration of Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to express gratitude for the many blessings of the past year. However, can you imagine how your optimism would be enhanced by a daily gratitude ritual? The Gratitude Journal, for instance, is a widely used tool for practicing gratitude. Then there is the Blessing Jar. All the many big and little things you are grateful for can be jotted on small pieces of paper and popped into the jar. It could be a lovely Thanksgiving ritual to reflect on those blessings of the past year you tucked into your gratitude jar or jotted in your journal.
Guest Bloggers: Sister Magdalena Vogt, CPS
and Sr. Sabina Muange, CPS