Heartfelt expression of appreciation boosts engagement with others. It improves both climate and culture of those around you by building trust and cultivating benevolence. When gratitude is given sincerely with love and kindness, it can neutralize and transform negative energy.
Gratitude is inspirational. It is the gift that keeps on giving — it invites re-gifting to others. Being generous with your appreciation is also uplifting to yourself.
Research has shown that giving appreciation is correlated with increased serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, whether you are the sender or receiver. Thus gratitude has the power to improve your sense of serenity, energy, happiness, and overall wellbeing.
Consider creating circles of gratitude all around you. Make it a point to begin and/or end every encounter with a sincere thank you. Whether in a meeting, a social event, or a family gathering, express your thanks to others from your heart, then observe what happens.
Informal gratitude circles will spontaneously erupt when you take the initiative to give heartfelt gratitude to two or more people gathered together.
Here is a format for creating opportunities for the expression of thanks to others in more structured group settings: Berkeley Gratitude Practices.
Take time to recognize your appreciation and gratitude. Then be magnanimous in the giving of your thanks.
