[HWPL Peace Education Textbook 5-2] The Benefits and Advantages of Gratitude: The Benefits and Advantages of Gratitude

[HWPL Peace Education Textbook 5: Being Grateful for Kindness and Grace]

[5-2] The Benefits and Advantages of Gratitude

◆Learning Objectives

1. Understand that gratitude begins with remembering the blessings we have received.

2. Understand the benefits and advantages of gratitude.

3. Learn concrete ways to practice gratitude.

◆Gratitude Brings Us Many Benefits

Gratitude offers various benefits and advantages to our lives, making us mentally and physically healthier, helping us form good relationships with others, and making us happier. It also helps us overcome difficult situations.

1. Gratitude Makes Us Healthier

Research shows that people who express and practice gratitude have fewer physical illnesses and better sleep quality than those who do not. Good sleep quality means better stress management, which positively impacts mental health.

A study conducted in May 2015 by researchers at the University of Stirling in Scotland involved psychological and health tests on 186 adults. It found that those who had a positive perception of their surroundings and were grateful for their lives had a one-third lower risk of heart disease and a 1.4 times higher average immunity.

How does gratitude affect our bodies? Advances in neuroscience have allowed us to measure brain activity when people feel grateful. Observations show that the brain's blood flow is significantly higher when a person is grateful compared to when they have negative thoughts.

Increased blood flow means improved brain function. Gratitude also triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone known to reduce fear and pain and alleviate stress. Oxytocin has antidepressant effects and promotes kindness and generosity. Thus, gratitude is physiologically linked to better health through increased blood flow and hormone secretion.

Image from Pixabay

2. Gratitude Enhances Relationships

Maintaining good relations with various members of society is challenging due to differences in appearance, personality, background, and values, which can lead to misunderstandings and prejudices. Expressing gratitude helps prevent conflicts. When you say "thank you," it opens the other person's heart and creates a favorable impression.

Exchanging expressions of gratitude builds bonds and intimacy naturally. Since gratitude needs to be expressed to be felt, it's essential to actively show gratitude. Expressing gratitude shows support and makes the other person feel happy. Here are some examples of expressing gratitude:

- "Thank you for your help."

- "I appreciate your kindness."

- "I'm grateful for your support."

Expressing gratitude makes people happy, and this happiness spreads. A study shows that if you're happy, your friend is 15% more likely to be happy, your friend's friend is 10% more likely to be happy, and your friend's friend's friend is 6% more likely to be happy. A small expression of gratitude can create a ripple effect of happiness.

Image from Pixabay

3. Gratitude Changes Perspectives and Helps Overcome Adversity

Ludwig van Beethoven, known as the "Immortal Beloved," began losing his hearing at 28 and was nearly deaf by 32. He contemplated suicide in the village of Heiligenstadt but eventually accepted his reality and resolved to continue his music career with gratitude. This decision marked the beginning of his golden era, with compositions like Piano Sonatas No. 2, 7, 10, 13, and 14, and symphonies like "Eroica," "Fate," and "Pastoral."

The finale of Symphony No. 6, "Pastoral," known as the "Song of Thanksgiving After the Storm," reflects the comfort he found in Heiligenstadt's woods. Thus, the "Pastoral" Symphony is also called the "Gratitude Symphony." Despite total hearing loss, Beethoven relied on his inspiration to create masterpieces that continue to touch hearts.

Gratitude can be a driving force to control and overcome difficult situations. You don't need favorable circumstances to feel grateful; even in despair, focusing on gratitude can reveal things to be thankful for, helping you overcome adversity.

Image from Pixabay

Explore Further: Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, "Pastoral"

Beethoven inscribed "The Joyful Feelings Upon Arriving in the Countryside" on the first movement of the "Pastoral" Symphony, capturing the peace of the countryside with repetitive motifs. The second movement, "By the Brook," uses a tranquil melody in the first violin with low-pitched strings imitating the flow of the brook. Later, the flute, oboe, and clarinet represent birdsong, adding to the pastoral atmosphere.

The third, fourth, and fifth movements depict "Joyful Gathering of Country Folk," "Thunderstorm," and "Shepherd's Song—Grateful Feelings After the Storm" respectively, seamlessly connected to create a dramatic narrative. The fifth movement's variations on a theme of gratitude bring the symphony to its climax.

◆Reflection

1. Recall a time when you expressed gratitude to someone. Share who you thanked, how you expressed it, and the benefits and advantages that resulted.

2. Research and present examples of overcoming despair through gratitude.

3. Express gratitude to someone with whom you have misunderstandings or are not close. Observe how their attitude toward you changes and discuss the effects of expressing gratitude.