Thanksgiving
Gratitude
Acknowledging the good you already have in life is the foundation for all abundance. Nine-tenths of wisdom is gratitude. I am grateful for what I am and what I have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.
Henry David Thoreau
Thanksgiving and Gratitude
Thanksgiving is a beautiful time to reflect on gratitude, celebrate community, and acknowledge the blessings in life. While it’s easy to focus on the tangible like food, family, or accomplishments - practicing gratitude can also extend to the everyday moments, challenges that foster growth, and the small joys that brighten our days.
The Orgins of Thanksgiving: A Historical Perspective
Thanksgiving traces its roots to the early 17th century, when the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to celebrate the first successful harvest. In 1621, after a long threacherous winter, the Pilgrims at Plymouth invited members of the Wampanoag tribe to a three day feast. This marked a moment of mutual respect and gratitude for survival and abundance.
The holiday became an official annual tradition in the United States much later. President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, amidst the turmoil of the Civil War. His proclamation called for unity and reflection, emphasizing the importance of gratitude even in difficult times.
The Power of Gratitude: Why It Matters
At its core, Thanksgiving is about more than food or festivities—it’s a celebration of gratitude. Research shows that practicing gratitude has profound benefits for mental health, relationships, and overall well being.
By focusing on the positives in life, we can shift our mindset away from negativity and anxiety. Expressing thanks can deepen connections with others. A heartfelt thank you fosters mutual respect and builds trust.
Gratitude helps us navigate challenges with a sense of hope and perspective. Recognizing what we have in the face of difficulty, strengthens our resiliency. The resilient understand that the human condition will not be free from pain, but also understand that it’s temporary and things will get better.
Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and reflect, cultivating an attitude of gratitude. This doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges or pretending everything is perfect. Rather, it’s about finding balance—recognizing both the difficulties we face and the blessings we enjoy.
Gratitude and the impact on brain neuroscience
Ahhh yes now on to the geek-a-thon. I can see by daughters rolling their eyes as I go down this scientific rabbit hole. I can’t help myself this stuff blows my mind. HAHA, do you get the Dad joke reference? I still got it!!
Research in neuroscience reveals practicing gratitude can postively influence brain structure, chemistry, and activity. Neural pathways in different brain regions are activated causing positive behaviors and enhancing emotional regulation. When people have brain scans they can actively see heightened activity when individuals express gratitude.
Neurotransmitters, D.O.S.E., the feel neurochemicals
Gratitude stimulates the release of dopamine which promotes feelings of happiness and reward. It enhances the production of serotonin, improving mood and fostering emotional stability. Oxytocin is triggered in social contexts. This strengthens social bonds and feelings of trust and connection.
Gratitude can release endorphins when you express thanks and appreciate the beauty around us. It will enhance your mood. It fosters both mental and physical well being. It builds resilience in everyday living.
Gratitude and structural changes in the brain
Regular practice of gratitude can promote neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new, positive neural pathways while reducing the strength of negative ones. Gray matter increases in the prefrontal cortex over time.
These have psychological benefits of reducing stress and anxiety. Gratitude lowers cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone. This can contribute to a more balanced emotional state. It also makes us more resilient and able to overcome adversity. Gratitude practiced before bedtime is associated with better sleep quality due to reduced intrusive thoughts
By integrating gratitude into daily life, you not only enhance your mental and emotional health but also rewire your brain for greater resilience and long term happiness.
Thanksgiving and Gratitude are deeply intertwined
The holiday offers us a moment to pause, reflect, and express appreciation for the blessings in life. Particularly this year with Brynn’s first Thanksgiving. We are profoundly grateful to have her in our lives. Let us set a great example for Brynn and practice gratitude everyday not just on Thanksgiving. To care for our communities and each other.
This Thanksgiving serves as a powerful reminder of the many things we are grateful for. Celebrate our abundances
Happy Thanksgiving ya’ll!