You can judge your age by the amount of pain you feel when you come into contact with new idea.

-Pearl S.Buck, writer (1892-1973)

Notes from The Editor

If you resist the positive influence of gratitude, you may also doubt it’s “healing” powers. When you’re going through tough times, it can be hard to imagine that the simple act of feeling greatful can be such a life-changing tool.

Dr.Robert Emmons, professor of psychology at the University of California, has been conducting scientific research on gratitude and it’s importance for nearly twenty years.

Dr. Emmons found that those who write in gratitude journals on weekly basis also exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives, and were more optimistic than the control group that did not keep the journals. Participants who kept gratitude lists were more likely to have made progress toward important personal goals over a two months period compared to those who did not.
Dr.Emmons came to the conclusion that grateful people reported higher levels of positive emotions and lower levels of depression and stress.

In Japan, the concept of gratitude as a healing force has been studied for years.
“What have I given to others?” “What have I received from others that I can be thankful for?
In this Japanese tradition, it is believed that the greatest obstacles to gratitude is self-preocupation and our sense of entitlement.
Self-preoccupation kills gratitude. When we are so preoccupied by our own thoughts, feelings, needs, we have very little attention left to notice what others doing to support us.
The more we think we have earned something or deserve it, the less likely we feel grateful for it.
Our mistakes and limitations have way of making us humble. They form a backdrop for future gratitude and deep sense of appreciation for what is right in our lives.

My Thoughts are with You,
Janna Sosensky