Celebrating Humanity with Gratitude

When you think about it, the world is a wonderful place. We have a lot to feel gratitude for. Of all the species… of all the potential, the likelihood of humanity is improbable and yet here we are. An intelligent life with the ability to imagine and create. All of us with a different story

I grew up in the countryside, where we had five red date trees in the yard. In the spring, they would sprout healthy green leaves, and by autumn, each tree would bear an abundance of delicious red dates. These red dates are known for their health benefits, such as helping with depression, relaxing the body, aiding digestion, and boosting the immune system.

During the winter, when heavy snow would fall, I would stand by the window and gaze at the trees. I imagined how cold they must be, with not a single leaf to protect them, yet covered by thick snow. I felt incredibly lucky to have a house that shielded me from such harsh weather.

Early Memories with the Donkey

In my early memories, we had a donkey. In summer, the area was full of flies, as we lived close to animals and fields.

I would stand beside the donkey, watching as flies landed on him like gadflies, giving painful bites. The donkey would swing his tail this way and that, swiftly trying to brush the flies away, and sometimes even managed to slap them to death. However, some flies remained unmoved, safely perched on the donkey’s back where his tail could not reach. My poor donkey would try and try without success.

As I stood there, I realised how fortunate I was. My body was flexible, and my legs carried me wherever I wanted to go. I would never stand helplessly and let a gadfly bite me. I could easily get a drink if I was thirsty or find food if I was hungry.

Looking at the donkey, I thought about how he, unlike me, had no choice. If we forgot about him on a bad day, he would stay thirsty and hungry, despite the irritating gadflies. I would help him chase the flies away, and we developed a close bond. He never kicked me, though he did knock me aside with his backside once. I think he found it amusing, as he continued to do so whenever I was near him.

Gratitude For The Wonders of Nature

Not long ago, I watched a nature documentary in which a flock of birds was flying, and a calm voice narrated their journey. The birds were flying a long distance to find water. Some of the birds, too tired to continue, fell to the ground. Meanwhile, the rest of the birds reached the water, where crocodiles lay in wait.

The crocodiles blocked the water where the birds were meant to land, making the birds’ quest even more perilous.

The programme also featured emperor penguins. After the female laid an egg, she would rush off in search of food for the unborn baby, while the male penguin would sit on the egg for over two months without eating. The journey to find food was a dangerous one, with some penguins perishing or falling prey to seals or other predators. The male penguin, though hungry, would feed the chick with stored food from his stomach. Meanwhile, other penguins would take turns risking their lives to find food for the baby.

The Power of Humans

Some people say we are “just human,” but the truth is, we are magnificent, intelligent, and powerful!

Our basic needs are simple: food, water, clothing, and shelter. But our desires are vast. There’s nothing wrong with wanting more, but shouldn’t we first feel grateful for what we already have?

As Jim Rohn once said, all creatures in nature use their full power to survive, but only humans have the dignity of choice. Only humans have the ability to transcend basic survival instincts.

The purpose of this reflection is to encourage people to feel lucky for being human, to appreciate what we have, and to recognise what we can do. Gratitude has been shown to improve both our mental and physical health. It can reduce chronic pain, lessen depression, boost self-esteem, increase resilience, and enhance happiness.

The Science Behind Gratitude

You might wonder, is this true? How does it work?

Gratitude can actually rewire our brains. It stimulates the production of dopamine, which sends signals to the nervous system, and serotonin, which influences mood, sleep, depression, and memory. These neurotransmitters are like natural antidepressants, promoting feelings of happiness and contentment.

If you want to develop a sense of gratitude for what you already have, I suggest keeping a gratitude journal. Write down ten things you are grateful for each morning and meditate on them. I joined Bob Proctor’s Personal Growth Programme, where we are encouraged to do this. The results in our study group have been miraculous.