There’s perhaps no better day than Thanksgiving to reflect on the astounding power of gratitude itself – and accordingly, to commit ourselves to cultivating it more intentionally in the coming year. If we think of “gratitude” primarily as a kind of duty to discharge, we’re missing the boat entirely, effectively reducing one of life’s wonders to mere good manners. On the contrary, gratitude is vital force in the world, a profoundly dignifying act that builds relationships, communities, and healthy human hearts.
The science on this subject is overwhelming: in study after study, gratitude has been shown to lead to stronger relationships, better sleep, lower blood pressure, fewer trips to the doctor, fewer depressive symptoms, more patience, and more perseverance, among other benefits.
In one particularly intriguing study, gratitude turns out to be a powerful antidote to the “Headwinds/Tailwinds Asymmetry,” our all-too-common tendency to focus on the obstacles in our lives (headwinds) and overlook blessings (tailwinds), an imbalance that over time leads to feeling aggrieved and resentful. In short, focusing on headwinds breeds bitterness; focusing on tailwinds breeds appreciation – and the act of thanksgiving helps call our attention to the winds at our backs.
This message is excerpted from “A brief theology of thanksgiving” by Matthew Myer Boulton from the November 17, 2023, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States.
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