Two weeks ago, we shared an article on gratitude, and since then many of you wrote to us with thoughtful, heartfelt questions. What became clear is that gratitude — although comforting in theory — often feels confusing in practice. So today, I want to address the most common misunderstandings we noticed, and gently guide you through what gratitude really means, especially when life is difficult.
A surprising number of people wrote that they wait to feel better before practicing gratitude. But the truth is the opposite. Gratitude is not something we practice once the clouds part — it is the small lantern we light inside the storm. When you feel stuck…When panic rises…When depression tightens around the chest…When a bad day pulls you down faster than you expect…
That is the moment to pause, sit down, and look for one thing — even a tiny thing — that you can appreciate. Gratitude shifts the inner state from contraction to a little more openness. It gives your nervous system something soft to hold on to when everything feels hard. So don’t wait for a brighter day to practice gratitude. Use gratitude to help create one.
Another common confusion is the belief that gratitude equals ignoring pain. But nothing could be further from the truth.
We should never deny or push away what hurts. Pain deserves acknowledgment. It needs space. It asks to be met with awareness, not resistance. Even Buddhist teachings remind us to greet our suffering like an old visitor — bow to it, invite it in for tea, listen to its message. Gratitude is not meant to erase pain. Gratitude sits beside the pain. It says:
“Yes, this hurts. Yes, it’s difficult. And also… there is still something today that supports me.”
Perhaps it’s the warmth of a cup of tea. Perhaps it’s the soft presence of a bed waiting to hold your tired body. Perhaps it’s the simple relief of one quiet moment. Gratitude and honesty can coexist beautifully. One does not invalidate the other.
Some of you wrote that you tried gratitude but didn’t feel much better afterward. This is completely normal. Think of gratitude as a gradual strengthening rather than an instant cure.
Sometimes the shift is immediate — the fog lifts, the vibration rises, and something soft inside of you loosens. Other times, nothing seems to change right away, yet beneath the surface the practice is slowly rewiring your emotional patterns. Just because you don’t feel a dramatic transformation in the moment does not mean the practice isn’t working. Keep going. Let gratitude accumulate quietly, like water filling a well.
Another misunderstanding is that gratitude must be tied to something big — a life event, a major success, or something profound. In reality, gratitude is built from tiny recognitions. A sliver of sunlight. A quiet morning. A kind message from a friend. The simple fact that your heart beat through the night without you asking it to. These seemingly small acknowledgments are what reshape your emotional world. You do not need a million-dollar miracle to feel grateful. Small truths are often the most healing.
Many people underestimate how much the mind naturally gravitates toward negativity. This negativity bias is ancient; it helped our ancestors survive when the world was full of danger. Even today, the brain fixates on what’s wrong. If you have a beautiful face and one tiny pimple, the mind will obsess over the pimple. It’s how our wiring works. So when you sit down to practice gratitude, expect resistance.
Your mind may produce a flood of “This isn’t working,” “My life is falling apart,” “Everything is wrong.” Don’t fight these waves. Notice them. Acknowledge them. And then gently return to what is still good — even if it’s the smallest thing in your day. Remember the Buddha’s teaching: bow to your inner Mara. Recognize the discomfort. Then continue.
Several of you asked how gratitude connects to spirit possession. In our work with clients going through the spirit removal process, we emphasize gratitude constantly. People affected by spirits often live in a very dark, contracted emotional state. Gratitude helps elevate their vibration, allowing them to reconnect with what is nourishing and supportive. This makes it harder for spirits to reattach because gratitude raises the person’s energetic frequency. It becomes not only a healing tool, but also a protective one.
Gratitude is simple, but not always easy. It asks for patience, honesty, and gentleness with yourself. Practice it not only on the bright days, but especially on the heavy ones. And with time, you will feel the subtle but meaningful ways it reshapes your inner world.
About the Author:
Marianna oversees the daily operations of The Dr. Wanda Pratnicka Center, skillfully advising staff members on guiding clients through the spirit removal process. Her efforts extend beyond management; she is dedicated to raising awareness about the phenomenon of spirit possession, utilizing various platforms including events, books, and digital media. In her leisure time, Marianna delights in gardening, immerses herself in reading, and explores new natural wonders.
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