The Meaning Of Gratitude In Life And Death

By Mark Thompson


Giving thanks is often something associated with organized religion. While this is the case, there are some individuals whom also give thanks to the animals, plants and sea life which provide most of the sustenance needed to sustain life. Whereas, others give thanks to the farmers whom grow other foods which can not be found easily in nature. In either case, it should be noted that while giving thanks is a good thing, it is different from the meaning of gratitude and gratefulness.

The most well known of these two principles is that of appreciation. Whereas, the second is related to all that in life which is provided freely. When celebrating holidays such as Thanksgiving, most people give thanks to a higher power or powers or to that which had been sacrificed with regards to the food being served.

Organized religions often see gratitude as thanking God for a miracle or a prayer that has been answered. In reality, the definition of gratitude has nothing to do with God or religion. For those whom desire to give thanks to God, there is nothing wrong in doing so.

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.

When individuals can be grateful and content, having a happy and satisfied life is more likely than otherwise. For, individuals whom have an ongoing desire for something different, something else, something more, will most likely experience far more disappointment than those whom can be satisfied with the basic needs of life. As such, in order to have the best chance at a happy life, it is important to recognize that needs and wants are two different things and to be happy that basic needs are being met.

One gift which everyone shares is the gift of life. While this is the case, some people are more appreciative of this fact than others. At the same time, there are also others whom give thanks for life on an ongoing basis. For, these individuals understand that regardless of how, when or where individuals were created, the world is a beautiful place to be, especially when grateful for the gift of life.




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