For many, the upcoming holiday season will be filled with joy and connection, but for others the season can stir feelings of loss or loneliness. The absence of loved ones or familiar traditions can make the season bittersweet, leaving some longing for comfort. It is in challenging times, however, that gratitude shines the brightest.

Gratitude is not about denying grief but about finding hope in the small, meaningful moments around us. Focusing on positive things in life such as loved ones, pets, our home, or even just being alive helps manage life’s ups and downs. Gratitude can bring deeper meaning to our lives and improve our Whole Health.

One of the greatest contributing factors to overall happiness and well-being is the amount and depth of gratitude that a person practices and expresses. Gratitude involves noticing and appreciating the positives in life. It is both an attitude and a practice.

Gratitude is universal and found across all cultures and all people. It is considered a virtue and is different from optimism, hope, and trust. Emmons and McCullough state that the root of the word gratitude is the Latin root gratia, which means “grace, graciousness, or gratefulness, all derivatives of this Latin root having to do with kindness, generousness, gifts, the beauty of giving and receiving, or getting something for nothing.”

Join with your fellow BVA Happenings subscribers in viewing a five-minute meditation practice that will help you focus on gratitude during the holiday season.