By: Dr. Anita Meinbach  | Posted on:  November 12 2018

As Thanksgiving approaches, we are encouraged  to take a look at our lives and reflect on all things for which we are grateful.  However, is important to remember  that the practice of giving thanks and showing gratitude is part of our Jewish culture. It is a practice that is not a yearly exercise, but one that is encouraged every day and embedded in the daily articulation of prayers and blessings. This practice is an important part of who we are and its benefits are far reaching in terms of the impact it has on others and on our own health and well-being.

The resources below focus on the importance of gratitude in our lives and in the the lives or our students, our children, and our grandchildren.  Many of them are from  Greater Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life, based at UC Berkeley, which has an extensive bank of quality research based evidence and practices that focus on 10 “Keys to Well-Being.” Each “key” is supported by a wealth of articles, podcasts, activities, and more that can be used in your classroom, your home, and your community, “…drawing on the science of compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and awe…”   We are grateful to this organization for all they do for the “greater good.”


 
Videos
How Can We Cultivate Gratitude in Schools  
At the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Dr. Giacomo Bono reports on his research into how to foster gratitude in classrooms.
 


 TED Talk: Want to be Happy?  Be Grateful.
The one thing all humans have in common is that each of us wants to be happy, says Brother David Steindl-Rast, a monk and interfaith scholar. And happiness, he suggests, is born from gratitude. An inspiring lesson in slowing down, looking where you're going, and above all, being grateful.


Making Gratitude Viral

At the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Nipun Mehta explores how we can help more people to embrace giving and gratitude. 


Can Gratitude Help People with Heart Disease?

In a presentation at the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Dr. Jeff Huffman of Harvard Medical School describes his study of the role that gratitude can play in the healing process following an acute illness.




How Parents Can Foster Gratitude in Kids

At the Greater Good Gratitude Summit, Dr. Andrea Hussong explores the role that parents can play in fostering the development of children’s gratitude.




Articles:

“What is Gratitude?  Why Practice It?   How Do I Cultivate it?  By Robert Emmons   
The Science of Happiness by Craig Lambert 

Three Ways to Cultivate Gratitude at School
Describes a variety of classroom practices—motivating, engaging, and easily adapted to most classroom settings.

The Science of Gratitude  

"Throughout history and around the world, religious leaders and philosophers have extolled the virtue of gratitude. Some have even described gratitude as “social glue” that fortifies relationships—between friends, family, and romantic partners—and serves as the backbone of human society. But what exactly is gratitude? Where does it come from? Why do some people seem to be naturally more grateful than others? And are there ways we can foster more feelings and expressions of gratitude? Over the past two decades scientists have made great strides toward understanding the biological roots of gratitude, the various benefits that accompany gratitude, and the ways that people can cultivate feelings of gratitude in their day-to-day lives. The studies comprising this science of gratitude are the subject of this paper." 

Podcasts
How Gratitude Benefits Your Brain
This episode of the science of happiness presents research-tested strategies for a happier, more meaningful life, drawing on the science of compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and awe.  Can you train your brain to be more grateful? Listen to learn more. 

Gratitude, Empathy, and Giving
This episode of See Me! Hear Me! Love Me! from Karen Deerwester is geared towards parents and provides practical ways to help elevate children’s awareness of gratitude and the practical cultivation of habits that help families practice gratitude, empathy and generosity.
 
Awakening with Gratitude
This episode from Mindful Judaism offers a brief (8-minute) tutorial in finding and appreciate gratitude to elevate our spiritual and mental health.
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