Gratitude

GRATITUDE

I am deeply grateful every day for the blessings in my life and the lessons I get to learn on my journey

WHAT IS GRATITUDE?

A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation, often in response to kindness or benefits received.

Synonyms: Thankfulness, Appreciativeness.

Antonym: Ingratitude

LEARN ALL ABOUT GRATITUDE

WHY GRATITUDE
MATTERS?

MUSIC ON THE THEME OF GRATITUDE

HOW TO RECOGNIZE
GRATITUDE

TIPS TO DEAL WITH
GRATITUDE

CURIOUS FACTS
ABOUT GRATITUDE

ANIMALS ASSOCIATED WITH
GRATITUDE

LEARN ALL ABOUT GRATITUDE

WHY GRATITUDE
MATTERS?

MUSIC ON THE THEME OF GRATITUDE

HOW TO RECOGNIZE
GRATITUDE

TIPS TO DEAL WITH
GRATITUDE

CURIOUS FACTS
ABOUT GRATITUDE

ANIMALS ASSOCIATED WITH
GRATITUDE

“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of
disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.”
Kristin Armstrong

HOW TO RECOGNIZE GRATITUDE IN OTHERS
AND ONESELF

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN OTHERS

Body Language

Gentle or open gestures, reaching out,
maintaining eye contact

Facial Expressions

Soft smile, warm eyes,
relaxed expression

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN ONESELF

In the Body

Warm sensation in the chest,
relaxed shoulders

In the Mind

Thoughts of appreciation,
focus on kindness or gifts received

HOW TO GRATITUDE GRATITUDE IN OTHERS
AND ONESELF

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN OTHERS

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN ONESELF

Body Language

Gentle or open gestures, reaching out,
maintaining eye contact

In the Body

Warm sensation in the chest,
relaxed shoulders

Facial Expressions

Soft smile, warm eyes,
relaxed expression

In the Mind

Thoughts of appreciation,
focus on kindness or gifts received

What is something small that I often take
for granted but am grateful for?

TIPS AND TRICKS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS
EMOTION

Write down three things you’re grateful for every day, focusing on the positive aspects of your life.
Close your eyes and focus on people or experiences you’re thankful for, feeling the warmth of gratitude.
Write a heartfelt thank-you letter to someone who has positively impacted your life.
Practice Camel Pose (Ustrasana) to physically open your chest and heart, embodying gratitude.
Take a walk, noticing and appreciating the beauty around you, like the trees, sky, or fresh air.
Create a piece of art that symbolizes your gratitude, using colors and shapes that resonate with your feelings.

CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT GRATITUDE

Can elephants remember kindness?

Do elephants ever say thank you in their own way?

Can gratitude actually rewire your brain?

Can practicing gratitude change your relationships?

ANIMALS ASSOCIATED WITH GRATITUDE

Different animals are associated with different emotions in different cultures. Flip the coins to found out more:

How does expressing gratitude impact my mood, relationships,
or sense of purpose?

RETURN TO THE EMOTION EXPLORER GUIDE TO DISCOVER
A WHOLE WORLD OF EMOTIONS

Gratitude strengthens positive emotions, relationships, and resilience. It shifts focus from what is lacking to what is abundant, fostering contentment and reducing stress. Practicing gratitude enhances well-being, strengthens social bonds, and improves mental health.

Elephants have been known to remember people who treated them well—even after decades—showing signs of recognition, affection, and trust.

Elephants use gentle trunk touches, soft rumbles, and expressive body language—like flapping their ears, leaning gently into another elephant, or wrapping trunks—to show gratitude and affection toward both humans and herd members.

Yes—regular expressions of gratitude boost activity in the prefrontal cortex and increase dopamine and serotonin levels, supporting happiness and mental health.

Gratitude strengthens social bonds, increases trust, and creates a cycle of kindness—both in elephants and humans.

Elephant

Hindu and African mythology

Elephants are known for their memory and strong social bonds, which often inspire feelings of gratitude in those who encounter them. In Hindu mythology, the elephant-headed god Ganesha is a symbol of gratitude, wisdom, and prosperity.

Dog

Chinese and Western folklore

The dog, known for its loyalty, represents disappointment in Chinese and Western folklore when trust is broken or expectations of devotion go unfulfilled.

Bee

Greek and Egyptian mythology

The bee, essential to nature’s balance, represents gratitude in Greek and Egyptian myths, symbolizing appreciation for teamwork and the contributions of others.

Dolphin

Celtic and Polynesian mythology

The dolphin, often aiding lost sailors, symbolizes gratitude in Celtic and Polynesian traditions, representing kindness, reciprocity, and appreciation for help received.