Gratefulness vs. Envy
"O, beware my lord of jealousy..."
Are You Grateful for What You Have or Envious of Others?
'O, beware my lord of jealousy./It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock/The meat it feeds on. 'Shakespeare's quote about jealousy
Why is gratitude important?
"Who is rich? He who rejoices in his lot, as it is said: “You shall enjoy the fruit of your labors, you shall be happy and you shall prosper” (Psalms 128:2)
"There is no limit to what we don't have and if that is where we put our focus, then our lives will inevitably be filled with endless dissatisfaction. "This is the ethos that lies behind the great biblical proverb, "Who is rich? Those who rejoice in their lot" (Pirkei Avot 4:1)."
(Pirkei Avot is a compilation of the ethical teachings and maxims from Rabbinic Jewish tradition).
Practicing gratitude has many psychological benefits, enhancing overall mental well-being. Gratitude practices can increase happiness and reduce depression.
Science has proven that gratitude provides powerful physical and mental health benefits. Being grateful can help prevent disease, and being thankful can even help you live longer.
Some of the gratitude’s greatest benefits include:
Lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and other lifestyle diseases
Stronger immune system
Sharper memory and less mental decline with aging
Higher-quality sleep and less insomnia
Reduced perception of chronic pain
Less inflammation in the body
Better mood and less incidence of depression and anxiety
Higher self-confidence and fewer feelings of anger, jealousy, and envy
Greater ability to forgive yourself and others
Better ability to prioritize and manage time
Gratitude makes us appreciate what we have, creating contentment and satisfaction. Gratitude helps us in forming and strengthening relationships.
By acknowledging and appreciating the kindness of others, we feel more connected and supportive in our social circles. Gratitude helps reduce stress and manage trauma. Gratitude can lead to better mental health and a better life.
Appreciating and recognizing the gifts in our lives uplifts our mental well-being. Regular practice of gratitude has been associated with better sleep quality. People can practice the appreciation of life in several ways. Among those ways are keeping a gratitude journal and gratitude meditation.
We can relax our minds by cultivating a sense of thankfulness, paving the way for a more restful and rejuvenating sleep pattern. Gratitude boosts immunity. There's also a strong connection between gratitude and heart health.
Gratitude can reduce fat intake, lower blood pressure, and decrease inflammation, all of which are good for the heart. Practicing gratitude can reduce aches and pains and lead to more physical activity.
An attitude of thankfulness enhances coping mechanisms during trauma or loss. Appreciating the positive can combat negative impacts and boost our resilience. Practicing gratitude can help us cope with difficulties.
Besides fostering resilience, recognizing what we have immensely contributes to cultivating a positive mindset. Acknowledging the good in life expresses gratitude.
When we regularly express gratitude, we train our minds to seek out and focus on the positive, even when faced with adversity. Positive thinking can lift our spirits and improve our mood. Practicing gratitude can make us more positive, reducing anxiety and depression.
An appreciation for what we have creates a positive mindset by reinforcing the sensation of contentment. When we appreciate what we already have, we are less likely to long for more and more likely to feel satisfied with our current state. This sense of contentment can lead to improved self-esteem and a happier outlook on life.
Moving into the realm of mental health, the role of gratitude becomes even more profound. Regularly practicing gratitude has been associated with numerous mental health benefits. Gratitude helps elevate our mood, reducing feelings of depression and anxiety. Noting what we are thankful for shifts the focus away from negative emotions and towards positive thoughts. Reorientation towards positivity can lead to a significant decrease in stress and depressive symptoms.
Why is it harmful to be resentful and envious of others?
"Envy is extremely polarizing — everyone is a competitor, an opponent. A good quality in someone else is a negative point for me. Admiration does just the opposite. It puts us all on the same team. Even if I lack something, I can appreciate it when others have it. " Anonymous
Resentment can harm one's well-being, particularly in terms of mental health. Harboring resentment allows negative emotions to consume our thoughts. That prevents us from enjoying the present and hinders our ability to envision a positive future. These negative feelings increase stress and anxiety levels.
Envying what others have causes a cycle of blame and victimhood. The danger is to see ourselves as victims, blaming others for our circumstances rather than taking responsibility. That state of mind can foster a sense of helplessness and stagnation, preventing growth and personal development.
Feelings of jealousy about what other people have is harmful. Firstly, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, as you may feel inferior to those who have more than you. Envy damages your self-esteem and can make it difficult to form meaningful relationships with others.
Envy and resentment create a negative atmosphere around you. If you are constantly focused on what others have and what you lack, you may become bitter and resentful toward those who have more than you.
Suppose you constantly compare yourself to others and feel bitter about their success. In that case, you may become too focused on their achievements and lose sight of your own. The result leads to a lack of motivation and hopelessness, damaging your mental health and overall well-being.
In summary, being envious and resentful of what other people have can be harmful. It can damage your self-esteem, create a negative atmosphere, and prevent you from achieving your goals and aspirations. It is important to focus on your strengths and accomplishments and to avoid comparing yourself to others.
