Gratitude is having a cultural moment. It has for a while now, due to the research of positive psychology making its way into wellness culture. I tell much of this story in The Shape of Joy. But it's important to make a distinction between interpersonal gratitude and what is called existential or cosmic gratitude.
Gratitude, we know, is the emotional response we have to being given a favor or gift. When we receive these gifts from another person our gratitude is directed toward the giver. This is interpersonal gratitude. Relational thanks. But where is gratitude directed when we experience the gifts of life itself? The gift of a beautiful sunrise, a sandy beach, a soft spring rain, a delicate flower, the starry sky, the wind in your face? What about the gifts of beautiful moments? A warm cup of coffee in the morning, an engrossing book, an evening walk, your dog welcoming you home or your cat snuggling in close. For the love and belonging you experience? Family, dear friends, and the kindness of strangers. For life itself? This breath, the courage to take the next step, your heart still beating.
The list can go on and on. Where to direct this thanks? To whom is this gratitude due? From whence comes these gifts? What is the source of such grace?
This is why being religious is deeply sane. There is a ribbon of grace that threads through our lives. And when we experience it our hearts surge toward transcendence. It is good to give thanks to the Lord.
Cosmic gratitude traces the shape of joy.
