The Meaning Of Gratitude And Gratefulness

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.

While most religions see gratitude as giving thanks to God, the definition actually has nothing to do with giving thanks but rather being thankful for what one has received. In some cases, gratitude for the gift of life while not a prayer does show that an individual is appreciative of the gift of life. In fact, one writer Joanna Macy suggest that gratitude is a part of most organized religions, mystics and pagans and is a source of true art.

Scientists, monks and others all tend to agree that showing appreciation is a counterpart of being grateful. Whereas, one monk suggest that gratitude is a feeling or response an individual experiences when receiving a gift freely regardless of monetary value. In another case, a scientist suggest that it is an affirmation of the good aspects of life. In either case, people tend to agree that it is a feeling or response to having accepted something good.

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.

In the dictionary, the definition of gratitude is a feeling or response in reaction to a gift which is freely given. Whereas, gratefulness is showing appreciation for the thought behind the gift. As such, while the two are connected, the definitions are separate and apart. For, in one case there is a feeling or response while the other relates to being grateful for a gift.

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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