Reference no: EM133776679
Part B: Experiencing Gratitude
In his study of individuals who had achieved self-actualization, Maslow (1970) found that they were capable of repeatedly seeing the good things in life and of being grateful for them. Within positive psychology, research has concentrated on the brief emotional experience of gratitude (state gratitude), individual variances in how often people feel gratitude (trait gratitude), and the association between the two. Gratitude has been shown to increase the following: happiness levels, optimism, life satisfaction, goal achievement, sleep quality, rates of exercise, alertness, enthusiasm, and energy (Emmons & McCullough, 2003; Seligman, 2002). In addition, levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, are lower in individuals who have a grateful attitude, and they experience greater cardiovascular health (Froh, Sefick, & Emmons, 2008; McCraty et al., 1998).
This week you will complete the following tasks in order to experience the benefits of gratitude:
On at least four separate days, write down 3-5 different things that happened during the day for which you are grateful. These do not need to be major events. (For example, my husband made dinner tonight while I worked, and for that I am grateful.) But you MUST complete the gratitude activity on at least four separate days.
Write your discussion post based on your reflection of the gratitude activities.
How is the experience of gratitude related to your subjective well-being? For example, did you notice that finding gratitude make you feel more positive about your life? Or, were you able to cope more effectively with a situation? Did finding gratitude lead to more enjoyment in your work or relationships? Were there any aspects of the activity that brought on negative feelings?
After completing the gratitude intervention, in what ways do you see a relationship between gratitude and mindfulness or full engagement?
Beyond the benefit of subjective well-being, how does gratitude play a role in finding meaning and purpose in your life?
Some experts argue that we should be grateful for the "good" and the "bad" in our lives. Do you agree? Explain.
Directly quote "snippets" of your gratitude writing to support your reflective statements. [You do NOT need to submit all of your gratitude writings.]
Alternate Challenge Activity: If you want to try something different than the above, write a brief letter of gratitude to a person who did or said something that changed your life. The letter should be concrete and specific about what the person did for you and how it affected your life. (Suggested length: 200-300 words.) Then, visit this person (virtually or physically) and tell them you have something you want to read to them. As you read, pay attention to the person's reaction as well as your own. After reading your letter, discuss the content with the person. Pay attention to the feelings that you have for each other.
Write your discussion post based on your reflection of the gratitude activity.
How is the experience of gratitude related to your subjective well-being? For example, did you notice that finding gratitude for this person make you feel more positive about your life? Or, did you notice a boost in positive emotions? Did finding gratitude lead to more enjoyment in this and other relationships? Were there any aspects of the activity that brought on negative feelings?
After completing the gratitude intervention, in what ways do you see a relationship between gratitude and mindfulness or full engagement?
Beyond the benefit of subjective well-being, how does gratitude play a role in finding meaning and purpose in your life?
Some experts argue that we should be grateful for the "good" and the "bad" in our lives. Do you agree? Explain.
Directly quote "snippets" of your gratitude letter or reflections on your conversation with the letter recipient to support your reflective statements. [You do NOT need to submit the entirety of your letter