1. Rituals of Thanksgiving
Getting to Gratitude
Rituals of Thanksgiving

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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.

5. 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

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

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

8. 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)

9. 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)

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

11. 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.

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

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