Rituals of Thanksgiving Getting to Gratitude Rituals of Thanksgiving

The opposite of gratitude Entitlement Anger Discontentment and rumination Striving and competition Pride (the wrong kind – the good kind is related to achievement/delight/dignity) Condemnation Clueless and apathetic

Positive psychology Two steps: Perhaps the most socially positive act 1 – Acknowledgement of goodness 2 – Recognizing the source is outside of the self Perhaps the most socially positive act Robert Emmons’ research shows that feeling grateful to a higher power improves physical health Lots of mental health benefits: (less neurotic and depressed, better relationships, and increased self-control)

Beware the “obligation effect” Social and religious pressure that people “should” say thanks or “owe” thanks often backfire – as if our thanks are a payment for what we’ve received.

It’s not that God needs it or demands it; it’s because it’s true and good. 16 Celebrate always, 17 pray constantly, and 18 give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.) 1 Thes. 5 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,     and his courts with praise.     Give thanks to him, bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good… Ps. 100

Rituals of Thanksgiving - Remembering Rituals of thanksgiving are not complex – they’re mostly about remembering What can regularly and effectively draw us into gratitude?

Rituals of thanksgiving – Before Meals Can we revive this (for some) tired ritual? Silence Lighting a candle

Rituals of Thanksgiving – Gratitude Journal Millions have been positively affected by experimenting with Oprah’s “gratitude journal” – daily practice of naming 5 things one is grateful for Tons of apps for your phone (if you just can’t remember)

Rituals of Thanksgiving – Daily Examen Private or shared recollection, with grateful acknowledgement, of the moments in the day that were life-giving as well as those that were challenging/(life-sucking)

Rituals of Thanksgiving – poetry and company http://gratefulness.org/ (Brother David Steindl-Rast has gathered this resource with articles, poetry, suggested practices, etc.)

Rituals of Thanksgiving – Seligman’s “gratitude visit” First, think of someone who has done something important and wonderful for you, yet who you feel you have not properly thanked. Next, reflect on the benefits you received from this person, and write a letter expressing your gratitude for all they have done for you. Finally, arrange to deliver the letter personally, and spend some time with this person talking about what you wrote.

Rituals of Thanksgiving - Walking Gratefully paying attention to your senses whenever you walk (especially to and from work – even if just the parking lot)

What are your rituals? What reminds you to be grateful through the day?