β¨ The Science of Gratitude That Brings Happiness
A grateful mind is a humble and lowly mind. It is a mind that recognizes and respects the preciousness of others, and it is a satisfied mind. It is also a mind that does not compare itself to others or act out of greed. Therefore, a grateful mind is always peaceful and happy.
Ancient sages who imparted the wisdom of life all emphasized ‘gratitude’:
- Socrates viewed that, “The wisdom of life lies not in worldly knowledge, but in humility and gratitude toward existence and life itself.”
- Plato said, “Gratitude is the foundation of all relationships.”
- The medieval saint Augustine said, “Gratitude comes before prayer.” He meant that before praying to gain something from God, one must first offer a confession of gratitude.
In addition to these, many scriptures, wise figures, and modern intellectuals and philosophers consistently teach that one must possess an attitude of gratitude to lead a happy life.
With recent advancements in neuroscience, it is actually being revealed that gratitude is linked to the brain’s happiness hormones. Neuroscientists have discovered that a grateful mind simultaneously activates various neurotransmitters in the brain, creating a powerful synergistic effect:
- Endorphins: Hormones that suppress pain and enhance pleasure.
- Dopamine: Involved in motivation, reward, and pleasure.
- Serotonin: Stabilizes and calms the mind and regulates mood.
- Oxytocin: Known as the hormone of bonding, trust, and love.
πββοΈ The Effect of a Grateful Mind on Physical Health
More importantly, these hormones not only elevate mental happiness but also have a highly positive impact on physical health. They are known to reduce body inflammation, strengthen immunity, improve sleep quality, and extend lifespan.
1. Lower Mortality Rates A follow-up observational study was conducted in the United States on 49,275 elderly female nurses to investigate the impact of an everyday attitude of gratitude on physical health and quality of life. According to the research results, the participants who fell into the top third for gratitude scores had a 9% lower mortality rate over the subsequent four years compared to those in the lowest third. Researchers explained that a grateful attitude toward life appears to protect participants from fatal diseases and is ultimately linked to an extension of lifespan.
2. Reduced Inflammation & Enhanced Brain Function Additionally, medical researchers at the University of Florida studied the effect of a grateful mind on reducing inflammation in the body among female breast cancer survivors. The study confirmed that cultivating a grateful mind in everyday life has a noticeable impact on reducing inflammation and aids in health recovery. Furthermore, it has been scientifically proven that gratitude activates the frontal lobe of the brain, thereby enhancing brain function.
π§ββοΈ Finding Gratitude and Happiness Through Ma-eum Su-ryun Meditation
There seems to be no further need to emphasize how important a grateful mind is for a healthy and happy life. Having an attitude of gratitude in everyday life makes the present moment happy and serves as the steering wheel guiding your future in a healthy, happy direction.
So, the question now is how to fill your life with gratitude.
When your mind is at peace, you feel gratitude even for a passing breeze. However, when you are filled with worry and anxiety, or when hatred and resentment arise, it is not easy to feel grateful no matter how hard you try. Worry, anxiety, hate, resentment, comparison, jealousy, inferiority… If your mind is filled with these negative things, it will be difficult to foster a grateful heart despite your best efforts.
But, what if all these negative minds completely disappeared from your mind?
Your mind would be filled with serene peace and genuine gratitude. This is because your original mind is peace, gratitude, and happiness itself. It is simply hidden right now by the countless false minds created through your life experiences.
Through Ma-eum Su-ryun meditationβwhich involves accurately looking back at yourself through deep inner introspection and emptying the mindβyou can find and discard all the negative minds that torment you.
As much as you empty your mind, the capacity of your mind grows, and your consciousness greatly expands. As your consciousness expands, you break free from a self-centered mind and gain the wisdom to see the whole picture, and gratitude naturally wells up for your neighbors and the world that allow the existence of “you.” You come to realize in your heart just how grateful it is simply to exist.
π Gratitude, The Treasure of My Mind Shining Brighter Than Jewels
As negative minds disappear, gratitude grows; and as gratitude grows, happiness increases. A happy mind is the ultimate positive energy, drawing out your inner potential to its absolute peak.
People often think they must succeed in order to be happy, but if you recover the ‘gratitude’ hidden deep within your mind, you will discover the secret of the mind for yourself: You must be happy in order to succeed.
A grateful mind makes life rich and happy. Try cleanly emptying all the negative minds that obscure gratitude and happiness through Ma-eum Su-ryun meditation. You will be able to find the treasure of your mind, “gratitude,” hidden deep within and shining brighter than jewels.
[References]
- Gratitude and Mortality Among Older US Female Nurses. JAMA Psychiatry, July 3, 2024
- Is gratitude good medicine for the body and soul? A UF researcher thinks so. UF News, Carlos Medina, November 25, 2024
- Neural correlates of gratitude. Frontiers in Psychology, 30 September 2015
- Check out the stories of people who found the treasure of gratitude through Ma-eum Su-ryun meditation.
