At the end of 2022 after a couple years of a global pandemic, I was asked by the editor of the Prince George Citizen to reflect on what brought me joy that year. I offered the following thoughts:
“I am deeply grateful for the meaningful moments shared with family and friends once social distancing was over, grateful for the collaborative experiences with my clients, the pure delight of playing with my grandchildren, the peace I found in solitude within nature, the incredible gift of being able to see, hear, and communicate, my health and my mobility, among countless other blessings. However, the common thread woven through all these moments of joy was my ability to cultivate a positive, present, and in particular: a grateful state of mind.”
Gratitude has been a central focus in my work with coaching clients, and I have witnessed its transformative power not only in their lives but also within my own. Yet, I have also observed how addictions — both material and psychological — often distract humanity from the inner peace that a regular practice of gratitude can bring.
While I could speak endlessly on this topic, this article will centre on the virtue of gratitude: its historical and philosophical roots, its grounding in modern science, and its profound effects on the human psyche. In a future article, I will review methods for practicing and sustaining gratitude in daily life.
A moral and spiritual practice
Gratitude is more than the act of acknowledging life’s blessings — it is a cornerstone of human well-being that transcends culture, time, and religious affiliation.
Across centuries, gratitude has been recognized not merely as a fleeting emotion but as a transformative force capable of reshaping individual lives, families and communities. Gratitude strengthens communities and fosters empathy, cooperation, and trust, creating positive feedback loops that improve relationships and build social cohesion. Whether in families, workplaces, or broader communities, expressions of appreciation inspire teamwork, reduce conflict, and promote collective action.
Historically, gratitude has been a fundamental virtue in many spiritual traditions. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, to name a few, all emphasize the importance of gratitude as a moral and spiritual practice.
Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers held gratitude in the highest regard. Aristotle considered it an essential element of ethical living, while Cicero described it as “not only the highest of virtues but the parent of all virtues.”
These great thinkers understood that gratitude fosters social harmony and ethical behaviour. Indigenous cultures worldwide have also long embraced gratitude through ceremonies and rituals that honour the interconnectedness of all life with expressions of thanks to nature and its sustaining forces.
Modern science validates the profound impact of gratitude on mental and physical health. Researchers in psychology and neuroscience have shown that practicing gratitude activates the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex — brain regions associated with reward, morality, and social bonding.
Dr. Robert Emmons, a leading authority on gratitude, has conducted extensive studies showing that individuals who regularly practice gratitude experience improved happiness, reduced stress, and stronger interpersonal relationships. These outcomes are linked to increased levels of dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being.
Additionally, gratitude enhances neural plasticity — the brain's ability to rewire itself — making it easier to focus on the positive aspects of life over time. The more gratitude we practice, the more positive things we notice in our lives for which to be thankful. ‘Count your blessings every day and name them one by one.’
Physically, gratitude is associated with lower blood pressure, better immune function, and enhanced sleep quality. A key benefit lies in its ability to shift the body from a state of stress (the “fight or flight” response) to one of relaxation and contentment. Gratitude, quite literally, has the power to heal. One cannot simultaneously be in a state of discontent or stress, and gratitude. Gratitude is the better choice.
The true power of gratitude lies in its ability to alter perspectives, foster resilience and enable individuals to transform adversity into growth. During difficult times, even small declarations of gratitude can provide solace and hope, helping people trust and accept circumstances they cannot change. For many trauma survivors, gratitude becomes a vital tool for recovery, allowing them to find meaning in their experiences.
Gratitude has been a cornerstone of my life, especially during times of turmoil or challenge. Embracing trust and cultivating a grateful mindset has allowed me to rediscover a sense of inner peace and reconnect with my deepest self. It serves as an anchor, keeping me centred in the present, even when faced with adversity or inner conflict. With regular practice, gratitude has become a natural refuge, guiding me back to calm and clarity whenever life's pressures or uncertainties attempt to pull me into fear.
I have come to realize that true happiness is not dictated by external circumstances but by the level of gratitude we cultivate for what we have, regardless of life’s challenges. Indeed, it is often during our most difficult moments that gratitude has the greatest power to heal and transform.
No matter the situation, there is always something for which to be grateful. In my view, practicing gratitude is one of the most powerful tools we have for nurturing mental, physical and spiritual health, as it has the ability to unlock the joy that resides within us all.
The secret to a happy heart is to have a grateful heart.
Claire Nielsen is a health coach, author, public speaker and founder of www.elixirforlife.ca. The information provided in the above article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional health and medical advice. Please consult a doctor, health-care provider or mental health practitioner if you're seeking medical advice, diagnoses and/or treatment.
