Muscle Memory & Gratefulness - Part 2

In the last post, short descriptions and examples were reported for the words muscle memory and motor memory. Gratefulness was only briefly mentioned and just a small amount of time was spent connecting the two thoughts.

An initial response might be to ask why this connection is important.

First, the ability to do hundreds of things without conscious thought makes living manageable.

Second, it would be my guess that most of us believe that we are grateful people.  We would also agree that sometimes, we forget.  Since we occasionally need reminders, let's consider how it may be possible for gratitude to be our default position.  What if our very first thought was, "Thank you"?

Growing up I remember hearing, "Did you write Grandma a thank you note for your birthday present?"  "Did you send thank you cards to the people that sent a gift for your graduation?"

About that wedding day, how long did it take to get those cards out?

There are hundreds of like examples.  Every day I'm sure that I miss being grateful somewhere. Let's start with the fact that I was wonderfully created by a loving God!  How often do I miss THAT one?



The words 'thank you' have an important place in polite society.
The words 'thank you' have an important place in our relationships.
The words 'thank you' have an important place in our spiritual growth.

But if these simple statements don't convince you, how about a little evidence that living a grateful life is good for you?

NIH researchers examined blood flow in various brain regions while subjects summoned up feelings of gratitude (Zahn et al, 2009). They found that subjects who showed more gratitude overall had higher levels of activity in the hypothalamus. This is important because the hypothalamus controls a huge array of essential bodily functions, including eating, drinking and sleeping. It also has a huge influence on your metabolism and stress levels. From this evidence on brain activity it starts to become clear how improvements in gratitude could have such wide-ranging effects from increased exercise, and improved sleep to decreased depression and fewer aches and pains.

            Furthermore, feelings of gratitude directly activated brain regions associated with the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine feels good to get, which is why it’s generally considered the “reward” neurotransmitter. But dopamine is also almost important in initiating action. That means increases in dopamine make you more likely to do the thing you just did. It’s the brain saying, “Oh, do that again.”  Quoted from Psychology Today

It would seem that physically, psychologically and emotionally, we benefit greatly from our own efforts to be appreciative. People who are generally grateful;

• Exhibit an increased level in positive emotions
• Display more optimism
• Are more alert
• Have a tendency to be more helpful, generous and compassionate
• Express more forgiveness
• Are less lonely and more outgoing
• Enjoy a general feeling that they're more alive
• Produce stronger immune systems
• Exhibit lower blood pressure
• Experience better sleep

This, then, is the human experience of gratefulness.  How interesting that God made us in just this way.  He knew what he was doing.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  1 Timothy 2:1-2

Next Article:  Gratefulness is bad for you.

Articles
Forbes: Scientific Proven Benefits of Gratitude
Happify: The Science Behind Gratitude
Robert Emmons
Psychology Today: The Grateful Brain