Most of us are so focused in achieving our goals. We look at what other people have, and we want to have the same thing. We look at other people's achievement, we want to achieve the same thing. It is very important to have goals and ambitions, but it is vitally important to take the time to appreciate the achievement we have already achieved.
Why do we need to be grateful?
1. Psychological Benefit
Gratitude is the best attitude
When you see someone who has gratefulness in their heart, it will shine through. They're happier individuals and you want to be around people like this. Sometime, it has nothing to do with what they own or posses or achieve. Some of the happiest people might not have much, but this feeling of being content of what you have, how you look like, and what you do.
Antidote to depression
If you're feeling down, focus on the the things you're grateful for. Write specifically, what things you're most grateful for and post it on the wall. If we're busy counting all the blessings, we have no time to be depressed. All of us are so blessed. Once you bring this into focus, then happiness will fill our hearts.
Simple exercise :
- Think about one thing in your life that you're really grateful about, something that makes you happy. Reflect on it. How does that make you feel? What are the changes?
- Now think about one thing that really angers you and frustrated you. Reflect on it. How does that make you feel? What are the changes?
Notice the change in your body. There is physiological and emotional reaction to everything we think about. When you're having these positive thoughts of the things you're grateful about, suddenly there's happiness. You feel more relaxed. The opposite, of course, you'll feel angry, frustrated. You're starting to get tensed, your heart beats got high.
Power of asking right questions:
It is the question you ask, or the question you fail to ask that shapes your life
For example:
Someone has just gotten a divorce. She/he can simply ask questions like:
-Why does this always happen to me? Why am I so unlucky
-Why me? Poor me?
Or they she/he can simply choose to ask empowering questions like:
-What did I learn from this?
-How can I become a better person through this?
You have a file cabinet in your mind, and when you ask questions like, "Why does this always happen to me", you'll find every excuse to why does bad things always happen to you.
OR, when you ask empowering questions like, "What did I learn from this?", then you'll find the answer like: maybe I can become a better person through this.
Try to ask empowering questions in the morning such us: "what am I grateful for" Instead of focusing on the things we don't have.
Improves Emotional Health
It helps us to feel happier and more balanced.
"And few of my servants are grateful" (34:13)Are we amongst those who are grateful?! Do you really show gratefulness for all the amazing blessings that you have?! We need to put more effort into being among those who are grateful.
Shift gears by shifting your focus
2. Health Benefit
Maximizes medical treatment
Makes us much more alert and energetic
- When people spend their life comparing themselves to others, they'll feel lethargic. You're feeling down and not empowered.
Affects immune system
- People who are optimistic are less likely to get sick.
Reduces stress
If you're unhappy with your spouse, your work, it would affect your level of stress. But if you focus on the things you're grateful for, you'll reduce your stress level.
3. Spiritual Benefit
Being grateful will form a thankful muscle. It is like a work out for the soul. And when we show gratefulness, ALLAH is pleased with you.
"And if you are grateful, He approves [i.e. likes] it for you" (39:07)
Increase blessings
"And remember when your Lord proclaimed, "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favour]; but if you deny, indeed My punishment is severe." (14:07)
You'll be rewarded
"Allah will reward the grateful" (3:144)You'll be an optimistic person
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h6VV7mMLow
No comments:
Post a Comment