The Top 5 Risks of Practicing Gratitude

An attitude of gratitude: proceed with caution. Consider the potential outcomes of this practice before you dive in.

By Audrey Hardin, MS LPC

The Bible and Science alike both point to the benefits of adopting a practice of gratitude. All truth is God’s truth after all, so it’s no surprise that science affirms what we see in scripture –our body and emotions change when we have a thankful heart. Sounds great, right?

I’ve committed to practicing daily gratitude exercises, as well as recommending this practice to my clients …and I must warn you. It does come with some risks!

So, before you include gratitude in your daily habits, consider these 5 RISKS of an attitude of gratitude:

1. You run the risk of becoming too joyful and changing those around you.

Expressing gratitude towards others builds stronger and more meaningful relationships. Studies show that when we practice gratitude, our ability to see the good in others and in our circumstances increases dramatically. When we are grateful, thus more joyful, we celebrate what we have…and when we do, envy and comparison decreases, also inviting healthier relationships with others.

Lastly, our brain has “mirror neurons”. Mirror neurons respond to actions that we observe in others. So when we are grateful, we subconsciously invite others to co-regulate with us to become happier and more grateful people too. In other words, gratitude is contagious!

2.  You run the risk of your body becoming too healthy.

According to heart researcher, Dr. Joe Dispenza, when you feel grateful, your heart begins to beat in a more rhythmic way, which causes the arteries in your heart to swell and open up. In addition to better blood flow and faster healing, your heart also physically feels full. We get physical benefits for emotional practices. 

Gratitude also has been linked to better sleep, reduced inflammation, strengthened immune system, and improved physical performance.

What will you do with all of this extra energy and time?

3. You run the risk of confusing those around you by your productivity.

When we practice gratitude, we become more emotionally resilient, and resilience protects us from getting sucked down into an abyss of emotional overwhelm and isolation.

When we consistently practice gratitude, we become connected to all the support and resources around us to help us in our times of need.

Therefore, we feel more equipped to tackle more things and unburdened by defeating emotions –in turn, we can accomplish more in stressful situations when others get stuck.  

4. You run the risk of a deeper connection to God.

As the Bible remind us, we are instructed to be grateful…and wouldn’t you know that even though God deserves our gratitude, he also made sure we would see a ripple effect of benefits when we practice it.

Thanking God for all he has done, is doing, and will do increases our sense of safety, peace, and value as his children. We begin to see his character in all things (especially circumstances we don’t understand) and when we do, we experience how constantly loving and trustworthy he is.

I’m warning you, he will become your best friend if you do this! 

5. You run the risk of becoming someone you don’t recognize.

Gratitude takes our brain into an “alpha” brain wave state –which is the state of imagination.

Therefore, when you practice being grateful for the things you want but don’t yet have, profound changes in our biology occur. 

Imagine living as a “well-provided-for son or daughter” instead of as an orphan, or having the “community of safe people” instead of living like an outcast, or imagining becoming someone who is patient and slow to anger…

Paul was onto this principle when he challenged the church of Philippi in their thinking… for our thinking changes us!

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

How to practice this imaginative gratitude:  

“I am so grateful that by the power of the Holy Spirit, I can grow and change. I am grateful that I am becoming someone who is [insert future traits] slow to anger, quick to listen, and gentle with my words.”

Then put your hands over your heart and let it sink in. Imagine yourself as this person. How would it impact the way you go about your day and interact in your relationships?

Believe it or not, just 30 days of this repeated practice, you will begin to see your imagination becoming your reality.

Again, practicing gratitude is transformational. That’s the way God designed it.

Proceed at your own risk… ;)

" Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Audrey Hardin is a Therapist, Speaker, and Workshop Leader at Hardin Life Resources in Dallas and McKinney, TX.

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