The right brain is the home to gratitude and therefore reflectiveness. That’s right! It is gratitude that is at the heart of reflectiveness. Parents can begin encouraging their kids to be grateful when they’re as young as two-years-old. This early gratitude is primitive and, to some degree, rote but it is gratitude none-the-less. And it is the beginning of humility because in gratitude is the recognition that we are not self-sufficient.
As children age gratitude is critical to the development of another right brain function – empathy. It appears empathy manifests between ages four and six and is another benefit of the reflectiveness. Empathy is the most powerful force on Earth and is the foundation of compassion and love.
It is no surprise that these right brain functions enhance relationships. The right brain is, after all, the relational brain hemisphere and out of this relational focus comes other powerful right brain benefits such as creativity and joy.
Thanksgiving is over but that doesn’t mean we should quit giving thanks. The holiday should simply be the annual opportunity to recommit ourselves to the practice of gratitude all year long.
Oh, and here’s the bonus, those who live with gratitude are less materialistic, more optimistic and have more friends. Research also shows they are happier and more energetic, are less likely to suffer from envy and greed, and they make more money. They also sleep more soundly, exercise more routinely and have fewer viruses. What’s not to like about any of this?
So, in this the age of the Right Brain Revolution, use the reflectiveness and gratitude of your relational brain to enhance your overall experience of life. Empathize, create and enjoy. Be grateful and you will have more for which to be grateful. It’s a self-perpetuating cycle with a huge payoff. In all things be thankful! Happy Thanksgiving all year!