A Rebuttal from the Greater Good Science Center

Today I am grateful for phone conversations, delicious oatmeal chocolate chip bars, and time to write.

Barbara Ehrenreich's recent NYT essay, mentioned in yesterday's post, did generate many comments and ongoing discussion about the value of gratitude practice. A comprehensive rebuttal was provided by Jason Marsh at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. You can read it here.  You can also read much more on the GGSC's website about gratitude and other
aspects of well-being.  Here is a summary paragraph from their "About" page:

Based at the University of California, Berkeley, the GGSC is unique in its commitment to both science and practice: Not only do we sponsor groundbreaking scientific research into social and emotional well-being, we help people apply this research to their personal and professional lives. Since 2001, we have been at the fore of a new scientific movement to explore the roots of happy and compassionate individuals, strong social bonds, and altruistic behavior—the science of a meaningful life. And we have been without peer in our award-winning efforts to translate and disseminate this science to the public.

I appreciate the wealth of useful information at the GGSC and also the thorough response given to Barbara Ehrenreich. Further, I appreciate what my life experience has taught me through the vehicle of mindful gratitude.

As is referenced in this article, gratefulness is not a naive positivity. It does not gloss over or deny negative and difficult emotions. What it does is help us see what is going well, help us continue to look for the good. By doing that, I am better able to navigate through the challenges and difficult times that are an inevitable part of life.

Selfish? You could look at it that way. But the way I see it, what may start as self-support ends up creating a network of support for those around us. Gratitude shared is gratitude multiplied. Positive well-being for one is passed along to others through our interactions.

Thank you to all at the Greater Good Science Center. Keep up the good work!

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