Justin Sunseri, LMFT
Dec 17, 2019
Updated: Mar 27, 2020
GRATITUDE (Mercedes)
The quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful; Readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness
Other words associated to gratitude: Indebtedness, Relief, Obligation, Recognition, Thankfulness, Acknowledgment, Appreciation, Expression
Gratitude is an emotion expressing appreciation for what one has. It is a recognition of value independent of monetary worth. Spontaneously generated from within, it is an affirmation of goodness. -Psychology Today
Expressing appreciation
Recognition of value
An affirmation of goodness
Relationship strengthening emotion because it requires us to see how we’ve been supported and affirmed by other people
Gratitude can influence: Catharsis, Reciprocity
Benefits: Enhanced well-being, Deeper relationships, Improved optimism, Increased happiness, Stronger self-control, Better physical and mental health, An overall better life, Stronger athleticism, Stronger neurologically-based morality
Polyvagal state- Safe & Social
Greater Good Magazine
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/gratitude/definition#what-is-gratitude
What is Gratitude and Why Is It So Important? By Courtney Ackerman
https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-appreciation/
An Experiment in Gratitude - The Science of Happiness; SoulPancake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHv6vTKD6lg
PRAISE
So important, but a challenge for all of us
Expressing admiration, approval or warmth about someone else for:
The qualities of the person
What they’ve accomplished
How they impact you on a personal level
The effort!
Praise does not equal positive reinforcement or gift giving or buying
Polyvagal State - Comes from ventral activation
Story follows state - Positivity is anchored in ventral, To see the good in someone even in the worst, Small wins are big wins, Ability to focus on positives, Have unconditional positive regard, Expect the best of someone
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