I have just returned from an amazing family annual reunion in Ireland. We have been meeting now each year for 30 years! It’s a chance to be together, support each other and celebrate life. Each year we have a theme and spend the Saturday sharing what this theme means to us and our families. This year’s theme was Gratitude. The picture above is a gratitude tree we call created from our 2-year-old family member to our 90 year old. Below I’ll share the benefits of Gratitude and tips of how to deepen your own practise and maybe make your own tree!
Neuroscience of Gratitude
I really like this visual from the Positive Psychology website of the benefits of Gratitude.
Engaging in gratitude creates a surge of dopamine, our feel good neurochemical and gives us a natural high. Dopamine increases the experience and duration of these positive emotions and can motivate you to express gratitude even more. Similar to the Broaden and Build Theory.
Tips of how to do the brain friendly approach to Gratitude
I am sure you’re familiar with naming two or three things you’re grateful for. How often though do you pause with each one and think, what is it about that I am really grateful for. So creating three to five sentences around it, to make you think why you are grateful and the importance to you.
I am grateful for family. Why/because? – It allows me to travel to Ireland each year to get together with everyone.
Why is that important to me – I get such an energy from the weekend, it feds my soul
Why is that important to me – It means I can show my children the importance of family and how special it is.
Why is that important to me – My children can learn the value of giving support and receiving support.
I am so grateful for that.
“Always be rejoicing. Give thanks for everything.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18.
