Through the Art of Letter Writing we can learn to express gratitude in a vast number of ways.
Gratitude is a basic human value. From a very young age we are conditioned to express it. For the most part – gratitude is seen as a way of being polite – and fitting into society.
But gratitude is actually far more complex than "good manners". Gratitude is one of the most effective features for our wellbeing. Being grateful to others. Being grateful for what we have. Expressing thanks to our parents, our teachers, our family far and near. All of these expressions are actually good for our health!
Christina Wilson, from the Greater Good Science Center at University of California at Berkley, has dived extensively into research findings and discovered the following:
For the individual, expressing gratitude helps:
- Increase happiness and positive moods
- Create greater resiliency
- Encourage the development of patience, humility, and wisdom
- Become more satisfied with life
- Sleep better
- Lower cellular inflammation
For groups, expressing gratitude helps:
- Increase prosocial behaviours
- Strengthen relationships
- (May) improve employees' effectiveness
- (May) increase job satisfaction
Letter writing is one of the best ways to connect students to the art of gratitude.
Radiant Wave creates opportunities for students and teachers to take the time to create simple, beautiful monoprint cards. While the painted cards are drying - the class will be led into useful discussions around letter writing, given writing prompts, and some time to practice.
A creative, hands on workshop – each participant leaves with a pack of 5 attractive cards and envelopes to send to family and friends near and far.
Students will explore the history of letter writing, the significance of communication changes over the years, and why writing a letter of thanks is still a fantastic idea!
In this workshop we will explore key elements that can go into a hand written letter of thanks by:
- Inviting students to explore the different ways of expressing gratitude and thanks.
- Inviting students to further express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings.
Connecting with Others, Connecting with Ourselves
- Connecting to friends and family from afar makes us feel good.
- The act of sending a letter teaches us that it's not about waiting for a reply – but the simple act of giving – without expecting something in return. Giving for the sake of giving. And this increases our happiness.
- We deepen our thinking when we write a letter by sharing our feelings about something and/or sharing an experience.
- Studies have shown that the act of writing by hand can sharpen our memory retention.
- Writing thank you letters gives us an opportunity to practice gratitude. Expressing gratitude not only gives the other person a sense of our appreciation, it also helps us to feel uplifted too!