• Increased Energy• Increased Happiness
• Increased Optimism
• Increased Social Connections
• Decreased Depression
• Decreased Envy
• Decreased Greed
• Decreased Addiction
• Increased Income
• Increased Quality and Length of Sleep
• Increased Immune Function
• Increased Exercise and thus, Visual Appearance[1]
Anyone can experience gratitude and benefit from it. “A new study shows that feeling grateful makes people less likely to turn aggressive when provoked.”[2] Polio survivors and other people with neuromuscular problems who kept a gratitude journal reported feeling happier and more optimistic than those in a control group, and these reports were corroborated by observations from their spouses. These grateful people also fell asleep more quickly at night, slept longer and woke up feeling more refreshed. [3]
It’s pretty simple, too. In a Temple University study, patients with hypertension lowered their blood pressure just by calling a “gratitude” hotline every day. Given that studies show that people with an Attitude of Gratitude are more healthy and sleep better, who wouldn’t want more Gratitude in their life?
It is no wonder that The Art of Ascension as taught by the Ishayas incorporates the Attitude of Gratitude into each of the first Five Spheres of techniques. The benefits listed above are not only benefits of Gratitude, but just a small portion of the by-products of practicing Ascension daily.
References:
[1] http://www.inspiredgiftgiving.com/the-research-on-gratitude
[2] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/22/science/a-serving-of-gratitude-brings-healthy-dividends.html
[3] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/22/science/a-serving-of-gratitude-brings-healthy-dividends.html
[4] R. A. Emmons (2007) Thanks! How the new science of gratitude can make you happier. New York: Houghton Mifflin. Original study: Emmons, R. A. & McCullough, M. E. (2003) Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well being in daily life, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 84: 377-89.
