Gratitude is perhaps the most important key to finding success and happiness in the modern day. Knowing what we appreciate in life means knowing who we are, what matters to us and what makes each day worthwhile. Paying attention to what we feel grateful for puts us in a positive frame of mind. It connects us to the world around us and to ourselves. Research demonstrates that focusing on what we are grateful for is a universally rewarding way to feel happier and more fulfilled.
As an important mental health principle, the benefits of gratitude extend far beyond what we may imagine. Scientific studies have found that gratitude is associated with:
Greater happiness
More optimism and positive emotions
New and lasting relationships
Better health
More progress toward personal goals
Fewer aches and pains
More alertness and determination
Increased generosity and empathy
Better sleep
Improved self-esteem
Compassion is defined as the ability to understand the emotional state of another person. Moreover, it encompasses understanding our own emotional state.
As a result, compassion motivates us to help and support others—and ourselves. It inspires us to do what we can to ease another person’s suffering. In fact, compassion literally means, “to suffer together.”
Many people confuse compassion with empathy. And they are closely related. Empathy refers to our ability to imagine ourselves in someone else’s place. Therefore, we experience the emotions of the other person. Compassion goes beyond empathy. Consequently, compassion involves feeling the desire to help.
Research on having compassion shows that it has multiple positive benefits including:
Increased happiness
Greater optimism
More positive mood
Decreased stress
Stronger personal initiative
A sense of curiosity and exploration
Agreeableness
Conscientiousness
Better ability to relate to others.
Having gratitude and compassion does good things not only to us but also to others.
Practice having both by watching Ana’s video about gratitude and compassion.
Watch it on YouTube here or click on the video below:
Do you want to know more?
Schedule an appointment with Ana and learn ways on how to practice compassion and gratitude.
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