Be Grateful
Scientific insight into this unique feeling and its great potential.
Today the great natural disaster did not happen, no friend died and it did not even rain. Thus, a Stoic of antiquity might have summarized his day. The representatives of this Greek-Roman school of thought around Epictetus (around 50–135 A.D.) and Seneca (4 B.C.-65 A.D.) developed a refined recipe for happiness in life almost 2000 years ago: In any case, start from the worst!
If it happens, you will be less disappointed than the optimist, it will be different, you will be relieved and happy. This is one of many ways to become aware of the miracle of existence in everyday life. Between office stress, tax returns, and rush hour traffic, we quickly lose sight of it. But even on a bad day, most people have a lot to be grateful for.
There are more and more indications that people who train their sense of these things are more satisfied, lead more fulfilling relationships, suffer less often from depression, addiction, or burnout, and can deal better with strokes of fate. According to recent research such as that of Paul Mills of the University of California at San Diego, gratitude is even good for health.
People with heart disease who appreciate the good things in life more are less depressed, sleep better, are more confident in their…
