A recent article in the NY Times reviewed research by psychologists that explored the relationship between gratitude and happiness. Subjects were given a measure (rating scale) that assigned a score reflecting how happy they were. They were then asked to talk to someone who had helped them in some way, someone who had given needed gifts, inspiration, provided encouragement, etc. The "givers" were parents, siblings, teachers, friends, etc. If the object of the gratitude were not available through, for example, death or lack of contact, subjects were asked to write a letter to them even though it was not going to be sent. The studies clearly showed that after subjects had expressed gratitude, they felt happier.
A good reason to explore religion is that it reminds us to be grateful, to others and to God. And that may make us feel much, much better about ourselves.
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