Gratitude is an expression of appreciation for some benefit received. We give acknowledgement to the giver and in the act of gratitude acknowledge and affirm the other party’s self-worth. Gratitude is given freely and voluntary without any expectation to receive anything back in return. The nature of gratitude is to expand and multiply energy. Express gratitude and it opens the door for energy to flow in to your life. In this regard there is a close relationship between gratitude and enthusiasm.
The continuum of gratitude is between complaining and being overly sweetened by pretence. When we complain we focus on the lack of benefit and we self-righteously demand more than was given, while an over-expression of gratitude without real intent is false and degrading. Complaining negates responsibility and shifts blame onto external circumstances. Consequently the individual is disempowered and becomes a victim of circumstances. Pretence might look like gratitude but if it is not sincere then it remains an empty act; the external effect created might be valid but the internal benefit of virtue is lost. When insincerity is discovered it leads to distrust and a decline of harmony.
Many opportunities to show gratitude cross our path on a daily basis wherever and whenever we interact with other people. Gratitude, when expressed, creates an environment of harmony. In order to be grateful towards others we need to become aware of the role they play and how they contribute towards our lives even when their intent is not necessarily to do so. A shop assistant providing a quick and prompt service may be thanked for a friendly smile. Gratitude contributes more to harmony and the edification of the society within which we live when it is expressed clearly and specifically. A simple ”thank you”, said as a matter of fact or as a passing statement, does not have even close to the power of a statement that is specific and directly posed: “Thank you for the prompt service” while looking the other person in the eyes. Gratitude demands sincerity and a real attempt to connect with the other person on a more personal basis.
Besides having a beneficial impact on society, gratitude is also an inward state of acknowledging the resources that one has available in one’s own life. Gratitude sees value beyond the norm. Being grateful for knowledge acquired, or a talent, or a result achieved, builds our self-worth. Gratitude wires the brain to see more fully our own human potential and encourages us to live closer to our full potential irrespective of environmental conditions. Gratitude is a light that provides us with hope in the darkest moments for even in the darkest moments we have some resource or ability we can employ to assist us. In this way we are always reminded that we have the means to make changes.
Gratitude spawns generosity and an abundance mentality that frees us to share with others what we have. When we are truly thankful for what we have received then we are also more eager to give. Life becomes an adventure. Gratitude can be expressed by paying forward the benefits we have received. When we are grateful for service given to us, we are energised to express that gratitude in service to others. Although that gratitude does not flow directly back to the original giver it expands the original energy and intent like a ripple that travels through society.
© All rights reserved. Jurgens Pieterse
Rosicrucian philosophy - Hope for humanity 