28 Oct Happiness and gratitude
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s good to know that science now has evidence that an attitude of gratitude not only feels great, but has a healing effect on the body, especially the heart, mind and spirit.
This is the message Dr. Robert Emmons, University of California, Davis professor and editor of the “Journal of Positive Psychology,” will be bringing to Sutter Creek on Saturday, Nov. 7. Even in hard times, he said, “We can be grateful to our families for how they support, nurture and comfort us, perhaps especially for the ways they challenge us.”
Author of “The Psychology of Ultimate Concerns, the Psychology of Gratitude and Thanks” and “How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier,” Dr. Emmons believes psychology “has spent too many years focusing on negative emotions, like depression, anxiety and hostility. Now we’re finally paying attention to positive states and are gathering solid data on their profound effect on mental, physical and spiritual well-being.”
He cites research from the HeartMath Institute, the University of Pittsburgh and others, showing that heart patients consciously experiencing appreciation felt better and had fewer difficulties with diet and medications than others. People who express gratitude, contentment, hope and other positive emotions may also live a number of years longer.
To read the full article, clearly relevant to our pursuit of happiness and health – click here