What is Gratitude?

We hear the word “gratitude” quite a bit. It is tossed around casually in conversation, makes appearances in health or wellness articles, and is posted all over social media. But, what does the word, gratitude, actually mean? 

By definition, gratitude means “thankfulness or gratefulness.” It is derived from the Latin word “gratus, meaning ‘pleasing’ or ‘thankful’, and is regarded as a feeling of appreciation by a recipient of another’s kindness, gifts, help, favors, or other form of generosity to the giver of such gifts”. 

We can be grateful for our loved ones, our homes, our jobs, favors or gifts, but gratitude can go much further beyond tangible things or physical people.

In my opinion, gratitude can be powerful when it is regarded more as an internal mindset to build upon and practice.

When we work on practicing gratitude in our daily lives, we can cultivate and grow a greater sense of joy, peace, love, and harmony in our day to day, as well as improve our mental health. 

Gratitude and the Mind

There is science behind gratitude practices and how it can change our brain’s limbic system. “Studies have shown that hippocampus and amygdala, the two main sites regulating emotions, memory, and bodily functioning, get activated with feelings of gratitude”. We are even able to rewire our brain to regulate the stress hormone, cortisol, when we are able to focus on the good things in life rather than sweating the small stuff. As G.K. Chesterton notes, gratitude has to be an active cultivation – “we won’t get the desired result unless we nourish and nurture the seeds properly”. 

Gratitude can be practiced in many different ways. Whether it is meditating in the mornings, journaling five things you are thankful for every evening, or simply sitting outside in the sunlight, you are growing gratitude and joy. Another way to grow gratitude is through gardening.

So, let’s talk about growing gratitude. Literally. 

Growing Gratitude with Gardenuity

At Gardenuity, we believe in the power of experiencing the joys of gardening and the “I grew that feeling”. No matter where you are on your gardening journey, you can grow more than just herbs. Gardening can actually be a step in the right direction of growing more gratitude. Getting your hands dirty and being one with nature is one way that gardening can aid us in gaining more gratitude. When we are surrounded by nature, grounding ourselves within the Earth, and taking an active role in maintaining the health of a plant, we are able to feel grateful for the beautiful, small wonders of life. 

Gardenuity offers an easy, accessible way to incorporate gardening into your day-to-day routine. 

With our Gratitude Garden, our intention is to help people grow in gratitude. The Gratitude Garden contains a collection of seasonal herbs, depending on the location, weather, and season. 

Gardening can give you the opportunity to be more active and live a healthier lifestyle. When you garden you’re able to breathe in fresh air, soak up some vitamin D, and get in a little bit of exercise and move your body. All of these things are crucial for your mental health and can do great things to lead to a healthier life. Gardening is also good for your mental health to unplug from technology and the daily stresses of life with a more therapeutic and natural route. Tending to your garden and actually growing your own herbs can help you become more grateful for the food you eat, the body you have, and the small wonders of the world around you. 

Grow some gratitude with us!