The Authenticity of Gratitude Practices

Genuine gratitude can’t be faked. Typically, expressing thanks involves taking 20-30 deep breaths for heightened awareness, followed by noting down what you’re grateful for. However, a more impactful method is to be receptive to receiving gratitude from others. Since waiting for thanks might not be easy, another way is to pay attention to how other people go through positive things in their lives by watching and reading about them. Understanding the significance of storytelling and story consumption is crucial because stories serve as a fundamental mechanism for organizing our cognitive processes.

The Power of Inspirational Stories

Understanding the significance of storytelling and story consumption is crucial because stories serve as a fundamental mechanism for organizing our cognitive processes. Find a story that’s important to you, one that inspires you. Try breaking down the story in this way: What was the struggle? What kind of help did they get? How did it make you feel? Another way to think about gratitude is to consider someone who is thankful for something you did. Analyze how that makes you feel or if something special happened that moved you.

My Favorite Story

Let me share my favorite story. It’s about Ranataunga Karunananda from Sri Lanka in the 10 Km marathon, Japan Olympics-1964, where he faced being the last runner. At first, people shouted at him, but then they started clapping for his courage. Reflecting on this story, consider the emotional impact. It imparts a valuable lesson – the resilience to persevere and finish what one starts, even if labeled the “biggest loser.” Have a look on the video for the story.

Biggest Loser

Conclusion

Simply put, genuine gratitude is invaluable. Whether we express it ourselves or receive it from others, it’s a powerful thing. Stories, like the one about Ranataunga Karunananda, teach us about resilience and never giving up. Remembering times when we’ve felt grateful and when others have thanked us helps us appreciate life more and connect with others better.

Have a gratitude day!!