The Law of Expansion in quantum physics says that whatever we focus on gets bigger. In other words, our thoughts and intentions are energy that is radiated outward and inward. So when we are focusing on our problems, our problems get bigger. When we focus on our blessings, our blessings feel bigger.
Isaiah 61:3 says, “Put on a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness.” With that in forefront of your mind, maintaining a mindset of gratitude changes your whole perspective on the way you see the world around you. It’s like gratitude flips a switch in our brain to feel happier and content and have a positive outlook.
There have been countless studies on the connection between gratefulness and overall wellbeing. “Gratitude is a powerful way to boost well-being,” says Amie Gordon, PhD, a research scientist at the University of California, San Francisco. A growing body of research links regular doses of gratitude to better sleep, greater happiness, and possibly even lower blood pressure. “And the times when it feels hardest to practice gratitude? That may be when you get the most out of it.” she says.
Neural mechanisms that are responsible for feelings of gratitude. Studies have found that at the brain level, moral judgments involving feelings of gratefulness are evoked in the right anterior temporal cortex. In the same study, it was discovered that the reason why some of us are naturally more grateful than others, is the neurochemical differences at the Central Nervous System. People who express and feel gratitude have a higher volume of grey matter in the right inferior temporal gyrus.
Additionally, researchers at Kyoto University in Japan recently published a study in Scientific Reports showing a correlation between happiness and the amount of gray matter in a certain region of the brain. More grey matter could mean you are a happier person in general. Other studies also more grey matter is linked to better health, intelligence and memory.
I try to make it a point to practice gratitude in every situation no mater what it is. One story comes to mind.. there was a time a few years ago when my car died and I had to drive an older car. It was a 1994 Saturn we had purchased as a work car for my husband from my parents. At first I could feel my pride rising up as I felt the stares (or so I thought) of people looking at me in my old car. However, I chose to be thankful to have it. I would practice gratitude of having that car. I would be mindful of how it isn’t material things that gives us worth; it’s Jesus Christ and His love for us. I drove that car for about 4 years and it was the BEST little car. I grew to love that car and was thankful every time I drove it. When the time was right, we were blessed and able to buy me a new car…which I am very grateful for! But I will always be grateful for the little white 1994 Saturn that is still being used today in the family.
When my husband and I first met, this verse 8 was something he kept reminding me about. A couple decades later amd he still does! Now we impart it to our children. It os sp true that what we spend our thoughts in affect us. I think being more intentional with being grateful can have a profound effect on me. I ki.d of knew and did some of it but reading this blog really brings it home more than ever. Thank you for sharing it, all tips this far have been so good and easy to remember.
Just before I read your blog on gratefulness, I sent out 2 emails, one to a friend and one to my son, expressing gratefulness for who they are.
I love that God arranged long before the earth was formed, that praise and worship raise our frequency. I am definitely focusing more on the good and not the bad and the ugly.
Great post Robin!