Myths about gratitude
Gratitude has been an exceedingly popular concept in research, movies, tv, social media and other forms of entertainment. Because of this, gratitude has been changed from its original goal or version. This makes us unsure of what gratitude is supposed to be. Below I have outline some of the most popular things people get confused about gratitude. Here are six myths about gratitude:
Gratitude is just saying "thank you": In Western culture, gratitude has been reduced to polite manners or social niceties, such as saying "thank you" when someone does something for us. However, gratitude is more beyond mere words and involves a deeper emotional and psychological recognition of the value and impact of what we receive (Achor, 2010)
Gratitude is only for big things: There's a myth that gratitude can only be expressed for significant events or favors, such as receiving a large gift, overcoming a huge challenge or a major act of kindness. In reality, gratitude is not limited to big or small events but is a holistic understanding of the world around us.
Gratitude is limited to an emotion or feeling: Another myth is that gratitude is fleeting and short-lived—a temporary feeling that arises with a good or bad life events. In practice, gratitude can be cultivated as a lasting attitude and a way of life through consistent mindfulness and reflection.
In Western culture, there's often an emphasis on expressing gratitude for positive life events or good fortune, while overlooking the potential for growth and learning in difficult or challenging situations. A heartfelt gratitude practice involves embracing all aspects of life—including adversity—as opportunities for growth and transformation. In fact, gratitude can be quite challenging because it involves acknowledging your reliance on others, which isn’t always a positive experience. It may evoke feelings of indebtedness and obligation, which might not align with what we typically associate with positive thinking (Emmons, 2013)
Gratitude makes us passive or complacent: There is a misconception that being grateful means being satisfied with the status quo and not striving for improvement or change. It is a common misconception that gratitude is simply allowing negative things or not being impacted by life. However, gratitude can coexist with ambition and change, as it enhances resilience and motivation rather than stifling it.
Focus on Individualism: Much of the research on gratitude tends to emphasize its benefits at the individual level—such as improved well-being, mental health, physical or athletic qualities and social relationships. While these are important aspects, there may be less exploration of gratitude's role in collective well-being, societal structures, and systemic impacts.
Conclusion: These myths highlight common misunderstandings about gratitude in Western culture, academia and emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding and practice of gratitude that aligns with its deeper mental health/spiritual and psychological benefits.
So, what is gratitude? In Buddhism gratitude is about integrity and civility. It can be a little difficult to define it much like “happiness” in academia (Achor, 2010). We all, however, fundamentally understand what it means though. Gratitude can be summed up as heartfelt recognition and appreciation for the interconnectedness of life and the countless causes and conditions that have contributed to our present moment. It goes beyond a mere feeling of thankfulness or obligation and encompasses a deep sense of humility, acknowledging the kindness and generosity received from others, from nature, and from the universe as a whole.
Citation
Achor, S. (2010). The Happiness Advantage: The seven principles of positive psychology that fuel success and performance at work. Crown Business/Random House.
Emmons, Robert. “Five Myths about Gratitude.” Greater Good, 24 Nov. 2013, greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_myths_about_gratitude.
Wood, A. M., Froh, J. J., & Geraghty, A. W. A. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 890–905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.005