“Attitude of Gratitude”
Several weeks ago, God had impressed upon me the word “Gratitude”.
I came across a post on Instagram and I made a screenshot of it:
It really intrigued me and I wanted to know if it was true. So, I started to research “Does gratitude strengthen your hippocampus?”
My research gave me surprising results. There is growing scientific evidence that gratitude can positively affect the hippocampus. The hippocampus is the part of the brain that is deeply involved in memory, learning and emotional regulation.
What does gratitude do for us?
Gratitude reduces stress and inflammation
Gratitude activates brain regions tied to positive emotion
Gratitude builds neural pathways for well-being
That last one was the most interesting. Repeated gratitude practice can reinforce positive neural circuits. This process is called neuroplasticity, which helps the hippocampus and related regions function more effectively in forming new “New positive memories” and reducing focus on negative ones.
I Have always believed that having an “attitude of gratitude” improved my outlook on things, but I had no idea about what was going on in my brain when I’m more grateful! God sure designed our bodies in an amazing way!
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, it says,
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Giving thanks IN ALL circumstances makes more sense to me. Not just FOR all circumstances, but IN all circumstances. In the middle of what I am going through. It helps me to take my focus off of me and points me to God. It helps my brain to focus on positive things to reduce the negative thoughts. Then my brain forms a positive memory or outlook instead of bad memories.
No wonder it is God’s will for us to be thankful in all circumstances, He only wants good things for us. He want us to create positive memories, not negative ones that will cloud our judgement or our emotions in a negative way.
I’m learning more about being grateful for the small things too. A beautiful day, several weeks ago driving to the Women’s Bible study and seeing a beautiful double rainbow just as I was getting into West Covina. Grateful for my brothers in helping to take care of my Mom. Being a grateful person changes the way I view everything in my life and the way I view people in my life. Gratitude has produced joy and appreciation in my life.
My prayer is that we all can show more gratitude towards God in our everyday lives, not just during the Thanksgiving season.
Blessings to you through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Allyson Hara
