The Meaning Of Gratitude And Gratefulness

By Mark Thompson


Most often people give thanks for blessings either to the provider or a higher power or powers. For others, giving thanks to the farmers whom spent time sowing and reaping crops or to the plants, animals and sea life which were sacrificed for food is more appropriate. While this is the case, it is important to note that the meaning of gratitude is something different from that of gratefulness.

There are some basic aspects of gratitude which include that of appreciation and that of having been giving gifts freely without expectation. In most cases, gifts are tangible items though there are also intangible ones. Most often these are related to helping out with chores, spending time with, or taking care of sick loved ones.

While most religions see gratitude as giving thanks to God, the definition actually has nothing to do with giving thanks but rather being thankful for what one has received. In some cases, gratitude for the gift of life while not a prayer does show that an individual is appreciative of the gift of life. In fact, one writer Joanna Macy suggest that gratitude is a part of most organized religions, mystics and pagans and is a source of true art.

Monks, scientists and others all agree that appreciation is a counterpart of being grateful. Whereas, as one monk also suggest, gratis is a response to that which has been provided freely regardless of monetary worth. While one of the leading scientists suggest it is rather an affirmation of all things which are good, most people tend to agree that gratitude is a feeling which occurs in response to having received a tangible or intangible gift.

Some scientists agree that the source of goodness lie outside the sense of self. Whereas, there are others whom believe people are born with good or bad behavioral traits and other disabilities. Regardless, all agree that gifts which are provided freely without expectation of something in return are often the most beneficial.

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.

While some people give thanks for life, others only show appreciation when overcoming an illness or trauma. In most cases, these individuals are grateful to have survived such an ordeal. Whereas, there are others whom only live to complain about things one does not have rather than giving thanks that basic needs are being met.




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