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What is Gratitude? The application of multicultural wisdom—the
shared values and the inherent positive beliefs of humanity—has
become known as perennial wisdom. Perennial wisdom has been
passed on from generation to generation since the birth of
humankind. It continues to surface among diverse peoples,
unconnected by geography or language, yet inextricably linked to
what is inherently important in our shared experience of what it
means to be human. Of all the universal themes that have been
transmitted through perennial wisdom, the expression of
gratitude continues to be the glue that consistently holds
society and relationships together; its opposite – ingratitude –
contributes to societal dissolution and separation. The
expression of gratitude is essential to humankind’s
sustainability and survival. Gratitude’s stabilizing and healing
effects, which have been researched from multiple
standpoints—cultural, psychological, physical, spiritual, even