“When any…act of charity or of gratitude, for instance, is presented to our sight or imagination, we are deeply impressed with its beauty and feel a strong desire in ourselves of doing charitable and grateful acts also.” Thomas Jefferson

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” John F. Kennedy

In the intricate tapestry of human existence, gratitude emerges as a profound human trait and virtue that not only nurtures individual well-being but also serves as a powerful catalyst for strengthening and transforming communities. As Diana Butler Bass eloquently stated, "Giving thanks is more than a private practice; gratitude is socially beneficial and strengthens communities."
Living together in a thankful society brings about recognizing our inherent interdependence as human beings. We thrive when we care for one another in communities, fostering a sense of safety, happiness, and contentment. As Butler Bass notes, "What might it mean to live together as a thankful society when we work together, when we share, and when we care, there is enough for all. We appreciate each other for what we all contribute to flourishing communities."
Gratitude is not only an emotion but also an ethic that leads to communal transformation. As Butler Bass highlights, "Feeling grateful is not only play, but it can be a form of politics. Gratitude is joy and gratitude is justice." In a society that nurtures communal gratitude, individuals are not only thankful for their own blessings but also seek to uplift and support others, creating a culture of compassion and solidarity.
However, just like personal gratitude, communal gratitude is complicated with both transformative potential and room for misuse. Navigating the dense forest of communal gratitude requires discernment and intentionality. As Butler Bass cautions, "On the communal level, it became obvious that there are meaningful and transformative ways of expressing gratitude, and sadly, there are ways of using gratitude to hurt, abuse, and oppress."
To reclaim gratitude in our communal settings, we must make it contagious and spread its transformative power. Celebrating together through local events, citywide festivals, and block parties can foster a sense of togetherness and shared joy. Reclaiming Thanksgiving as a major festival of gratefulness is equally crucial, moving it beyond a private family celebration and commercial holiday.
Ingratitude, on the other hand, erodes the binding power of civic festivity and creates a perpetual state of dissatisfaction. A society that lacks gratitude loses the experience of shared communal joy, threatening unity and isolating individuals. As Butler Bass emphasizes, "Ingratitude and civic festivity are deadly enemies. If we cannot play together, if we are not thankful in the common arena, we cannot be a good team."
Cultivating gratitude, both at an individual and communal level, is a vital step towards nurturing emotional health and wellbeing in our communities. Gratitude not only fosters personal contentment but also strengthens social connections. As Abrams, Dalai Lama, and Tutu expressed, "Gratitude connects us all."
Gratitude is inherently social, weaving the threads of nature and neighbor together to create the fabric of our lives. It is about presence, participation, and partnership, about being with one another in life's journey. As Butler Bass beautifully concludes, "In the threads of nature and neighbor and the fragile strands of gifts and goodness, we weave our lives together."
In essence, communal gratitude has the potential to heal our civic heart and set us on a path towards a brighter and more compassionate future. It invites us to play together, to embrace shared communal joy, and to stand united as a good team. Let us recognize the power of gratitude in weaving our lives together and take the first step in creating communities where appreciation, care, and kindness flourish. As we celebrate the richness of gratitude in our lives, we build a world where thriving communities and a brighter future await us all.
Individuals who perform volunteer work sometimes speak of the benefits they receive from the service and express gratitude for those who gave them the opportunity to serve. Mother Teresa often spoke of being grateful for the sick and dying she ministered to in the Calcutta slums, because they deepened her compassion. Today find opportunities to volunteer.
Here are some ideas.
Helping at a soup kitchen or food bank: This is a great way to help people in need get access to food. You can help prepare and serve food, or you can help sort and distribute food donations.
Tutoring or mentoring: This is a great way to help children and young people succeed in school. You can tutor students in a specific subject, or you can mentor them to help them with their overall academic progress.
Working with animals: If you love animals, you can volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue organization. You can help walk dogs, play with cats, or clean cages.
Environmental volunteering: If you are passionate about the environment, you can volunteer for an organization that is working to protect the planet. You can help clean up litter, plant trees, or advocate for environmental policies.
Volunteer at a hospital or healthcare organization: This is a great way to help people who are sick or injured. You can help with clerical work, provide companionship to patients, or transport patients to and from appointments.
Volunteer at a library or museum: This is a great way to share your love of learning with others. You can help shelve books, answer questions, or lead story time for kids.
Volunteer to help with disaster relief: This is a great way to help people who have been affected by natural disasters or other emergencies. You can help distribute food and water, provide shelter, or offer emotional support.

Are you interested in learning more about human values? Join me as I explore fourteen human values and offer strategies for modeling and practicing these with children. With this link, you can get my first book for a greatly discounted price!
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