Gratitude is a practice, not a feeling.
Brené Brown
Gratitude Is a Practice
Topic: Gratitude
Gratitude is a practice, not a feeling. You can’t just decide to be grateful and then suddenly be grateful. It’s a muscle that you have to exercise. And the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.
Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston, where she holds the Huffington Foundation – Brené Brown Endowed Chair at The Graduate College of Social Work. Additionally, she serves as a visiting professor in management at The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. Brown's academic roles are extensions of her deeper mission to explore the themes of courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. Her research is not just data and theories; it's an invitation to engage with the very elements that make us human.
Brown has spent two decades contributing to our understanding of emotional and social dynamics through her research and writing. She is the author of five books that have risen to the top of the New York Times bestseller list: "The Gifts of Imperfection," "Daring Greatly," "Rising Strong," "Braving the Wilderness," and "Dare to Lead." These works offer pragmatic insights into the nature of human connection. They encourage the reader to embrace their own vulnerabilities, pointing out that it's often in these spaces of uncertainty and risk that we discover our capacity for love and belonging.
Beyond the page, Brown expands her reach through various platforms. Her TED talk, "The Power of Vulnerability," has been viewed more than 50 million times worldwide. She also hosts two podcasts, "Unlocking Us" and "Dare to Lead," providing a space for ongoing discussions about the complexities of the human experience. In 2019, she broke new ground with her Netflix special, "The Call to Courage," becoming the first researcher to present a filmed lecture on the streaming service. Through all these avenues, Brown underscores the need for a heart-centered approach to life, one that makes room for both the challenges and the beauty of our shared human journey.
Braving the Wilderness
Brown, Brené. Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone. Penguin Random House, 2018. P 103.
Brené Brown
Theme: Gratefulness
About This Brené Brown Quotation [Commentary}
Brené Brown’s assertion that “Gratitude is a practice, not a feeling” emphasizes the active nature of cultivating gratitude. According to Brown, gratitude requires intentional effort and regular practice rather than being a passive experience. She compares gratitude to a muscle that needs to be exercised to grow stronger. This analogy shows that just as physical fitness requires consistent effort, the ability to feel and express gratitude deepens through regular practice. By treating gratitude as a discipline rather than a fleeting emotion, individuals can better recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of their lives.
In her book “Braving the Wilderness,” Brown elaborates that one cannot simply decide to be grateful and instantly feel that way. It involves a conscious effort to notice and acknowledge the good in our lives, even amidst challenges. This perspective shifts gratitude from a spontaneous reaction to a deliberate and mindful practice. By integrating gratitude into daily routines—whether through journaling, reflection, or expressing thanks to others—we can build a habit that enriches our well-being and fosters a deeper connection to the present moment.
Furthermore, Brown’s approach to gratitude aligns with the theme of personal growth. In “The Gifts of Imperfection,” she notes that gratitude connects us to something larger than ourselves, offering a lens of possibility, hope, and wonder. This connection can be empowering during difficult times, encouraging a focus on positive elements. By practicing gratitude, individuals can cultivate a more optimistic outlook, improve their mental and emotional health, and strengthen their relationships. Ultimately, Brené Brown’s insights remind us that consistent gratitude practice can transform our lives by helping us appreciate the present and remain resilient through life’s challenges.
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