A lot of what I read in this book had been echoed in The Science of Well-Being class I’m taking. The stories to back up his science were interesting. The 10 steps to develop gratitude at the end of the book was the best part - gives you actions to become more grateful.

A researcher exploring gratitude -- it's meaning, obstacles to and benefits of. As someone who already leads a life of gratitude often, this book was not as significant or life changing as it might be for others at a different point in their lives. Nevertheless, it was a brief and ready reminder of the merits of being more intentional about leading a life of gratitude. I will keep it and refer to it for sermons, perhaps, and for stewardship talks.

Emmons serendipitiously began to study gratitude during a conference on the classical sources of human strength: wisdom, hope, love, spirituality, gratitude, humility; he signed up for humility but was assigned gratitude. Emmons was surprised to find that by practicing gratitude, people can increase their happiness. Apparently, the brain can not experience both negative and positive emotions at the same time. Emmons proposes ten ways for adults to practice gratitude: keeping a gratitude journal; remembering the bad parts of the past and being grateful for getting through those times; asking three questions ("What have I received from ___?" "What have I given to ___?" and "What troubles and difficulties have I caused ___?"); learning prayers of gratitude; "coming to your senses"; using visual reminders to be grateful; making a vow to practice gratitude; using the language of gratefulness; going through the motions; and thinking outside the box for things for which to be grateful. He also calls for gratitude training in childhood, in order to develop a tool that will foster well-being.