The Meaning Of Gratitude In Life And Death

By Mark Thompson


Giving thanks is often something associated with organized religion. While this is the case, there are some individuals whom also give thanks to the animals, plants and sea life which provide most of the sustenance needed to sustain life. Whereas, others give thanks to the farmers whom grow other foods which can not be found easily in nature. In either case, it should be noted that while giving thanks is a good thing, it is different from the meaning of gratitude and gratefulness.

The most well known of these two principles is that of appreciation. Whereas, the second is related to all that in life which is provided freely. When celebrating holidays such as Thanksgiving, most people give thanks to a higher power or powers or to that which had been sacrificed with regards to the food being served.

Most organized religions, especially those of the Christian faith believe that gratitude is when people give thanks to God for the blessings in life. While this is the case, the definition is more about a response or feeling to gifts rather than giving thanks. Whereas, there is nothing wrong with giving thanks to God, or others for blessings bestowed upon oneself or others.

Scientists, monks and others all tend to agree that showing appreciation is a counterpart of being grateful. Whereas, one monk suggest that gratitude is a feeling or response an individual experiences when receiving a gift freely regardless of monetary value. In another case, a scientist suggest that it is an affirmation of the good aspects of life. In either case, people tend to agree that it is a feeling or response to having accepted something good.

Scientists tend to agree that the source of goodness resides outside of self. While there are others whom believe people are born with inherit good and bad behavior. In most cases, these judgments are based on issues such as chemical imbalances in the brain or birth defects. Whereas, most all agree that any gifts which are provided freely are the most beneficial in the future.

Whatever the definition, gratefulness is often considered a key element to happiness in life. For, people whom are not grateful often always have wants and desires which when not acquired can build an ongoing sense of disappointment. As such, it is important to be appreciative and grateful even for the smallest things in life.

Individuals whom are grateful and content often live the happiest lives. For, those whom are never satisfied and are always left wanting of something different, something else or something more often experience more disappointment in life. Whereas, those whom have a strong sense of gratitude and know the difference between needs and wants can often find happiness even when only basic needs are being met.

One gift which everyone shares is the gift of life. While this is the case, some people are more appreciative of this fact than others. At the same time, there are also others whom give thanks for life on an ongoing basis. For, these individuals understand that regardless of how, when or where individuals were created, the world is a beautiful place to be, especially when grateful for the gift of life.




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