"The test of all happiness,” said G.K. Chesterton, “is gratitude." Learning to experience gratitude involves being grateful as an attitude, not as a reaction when good things occur. To be grateful, one does not need to wait until things are perfect. In fact, practicing gratitude makes one receptive to life's blessings, and these blessings continue as we continue to be thankful. In one study, described by author Robert Emmons, participants who wrote about five things for which they were grateful experienced more positive emotional states and were more likely to help others over a period of ten weeks than were participants who wrote about the hassles and stressors they experienced during the same time. "Love wholeheartedly,” says Brother David Steindl-Rast, “be surprised, give thanks and praise—then you will discover the fullness of your life." Gratitude provides gifts to both the giver and the receiver, and this illuminating book will inspire readers to recognize just how truly blessed we are.

"The test of all happiness,” said G.K. Chesterton, “is gratitude." Learning to experience gratitude involves being grateful as an attitude, not as a reaction when good things occur. To be grateful, one does not need to wait until things are perfect. In fact, practicing gratitude makes one receptive to life's blessings, and these blessings continue as we continue to be thankful. In one study, described by author Robert Emmons, participants who wrote about five things for which they were grateful experienced more positive emotional states and were more likely to help others over a period of ten weeks than were participants who wrote about the hassles and stressors they experienced during the same time. "Love wholeheartedly,” says Brother David Steindl-Rast, “be surprised, give thanks and praise—then you will discover the fullness of your life." Gratitude provides gifts to both the giver and the receiver, and this illuminating book will inspire readers to recognize just how truly blessed we are.

Learning how to experience gratitude involves being grateful as a attitude, not as a reaction when good things occur. One does not need to wait until things are perfect before being grateful; in fact, it may be just the opposite. It could be that the act of being grateful, in itself, makes one receptive to life's blessings, and these blessings continue as we continue to be thankful.The study of gratitude is one that looks at moral barometers, emotions, and the effect this feeling has on health and happiness. In fact, G.K. Chesterton said, "The test of all happiness is gratitude." Emmons draws from gratitude research projects that followed participants who were randomly selected to write down either the things they were grateful for or items of complaint over a period of ten weeks. The study showed that gratitude led to more positive emotional states and inspired people to be more helpful to others.The act of gratitude is one that provides gifts to the giver and receiver. The illuminating words of this book will inspire readers to recognize how truly blessed we are. This has been beautifully stated by the words of Brother David Steindl-Rast, "Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise-then you will discover the fullness of your life."

Brother David Steindl-Rast takes us on a journey of discovery by identifying the wonder of the ordinary found in common sense. In a humble and insightful way he illuminates the teachings that are passed from one generation to the next. These words of common sense bring to light the important virtues and ethics that are valued by human beings worldwide. "When you drink from a stream, remember the spring," says a wise Chinese proverb that evokes thanksgiving and reflection. "A contented heart is a continual feast" directs a person to look within for their happiness rather than without.By becoming aware of the proverbs of the world and by honoring the thread of human experience as expressed in wise sayings, the reader becomes transported to a feeling of connection with other religions and cultures. Inspiring and optimistic, Words of Common Sense helps to make a rewarding life possible within the trials of everyday living as one discovers that within the ordinary can be found the keys to living a life of meaning. When we look to the words of common sense that are around us, we can begin to make sense of things for ourselves. These words can guide, illuminate, and inspire us.

Gratitude is the simple, scientifically proven way to increase happiness and encourage greater joy, love, peace, and optimism into our lives. Through easy practices, such as keeping a daily gratitude journal, writing letters of thanks, and meditating on the good we have received, we can improve our health and wellbeing, enhance our relationships, encourage healthy sleep, and heighten feelings of connectedness. Easily accessible and available to everyone, the practice of gratitude will benefit every area of your life and generate a positive ripple effect. This beautiful book, written by Dr Robert A Emmons, Professor of Psychology at UC Davis, California, discusses the benefits of gratitude and teaches easy techniques to foster gratitude every day.

Easy to use in a variety of ways, Healing Words is complementary medicine for the mind, body, and spirit that has a history of proven efficacy for people of all faiths on their journeys to healing and wholeness. Every two-page spread is a chapter headlined by one of 101 words that relate to healing the mind, body, and spirit as a process or event. The word is followed by a definition, a personal reflection or a story that relates to the healing power of the word, quotes, and an affirmation for the reader to use on his or her healing journey. The quotes include contemporary excerpts as well as words from the sages, plus proverbs, psalms, and more.