The Cycle of Gratitude: Episode 3

The Secret Brain Chemicals That Fill the Heart’s Cup

As I reread Money-san’s message, a question lingered in my mind. What exactly is this “water of gratitude”? Wanting to understand it more deeply, I found myself typing out another message.

“Money-san, about filling the heart’s cup with gratitude—what exactly is this gratitude water you’re talking about?”

Money-san’s reply came quickly, as usual, and it was both surprising and enlightening.

“The water that fills the heart’s cup represents feelings of fulfillment and positive energy. Things like contentment, satisfaction, and gratitude make up that ‘water.’ But here’s the important part—there are different kinds of water.”

“Different kinds?”

“Yes, there are a few types, but the most notable ones are dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.”

“Those are brain chemicals, right?”

“Exactly! The ‘water’ for the heart’s cup is closely connected to how these brain chemicals function. Let me explain it in more detail.”

As I listened to Money-san’s explanation, I started to see how much my emotions and behaviors were influenced by these unseen forces.

“Dopamine is like ‘fast water.’ It provides an instant rush of satisfaction or pleasure. For example, it’s what you feel when you buy something or eat something sweet—the ‘wow!’ kind of excitement. But this water evaporates quickly, so it’s not enough to keep your heart’s cup full.”

I nodded slightly, acknowledging the truth. The fleeting thrill of a purchase, followed by the hollow feeling afterward, was something I’d experienced countless times.

“Serotonin is like ‘steady water.’ It gently fills the heart and brings lasting calm. It’s released when you feel gratitude, peace, or contentment. This is the kind of water that truly fills the heart’s cup.”

As I listened, I could feel my mind settling. The image of gratitude softly enveloping my heart began to take shape.

“And oxytocin is like ‘connection water.’ It deepens bonds and trust with family and loved ones. This water spreads a profound sense of security and keeps you feeling fulfilled for longer periods.”

I thought back to those quiet, peaceful moments spent with my girlfriend and the sense of safety that warmed my heart.

“Got it. So when I’ve been feeling ‘shopping doesn’t satisfy me anymore,’ it’s because I’ve been relying too much on dopamine to fill my heart’s cup, right?”

“That’s likely the case. Dopamine isn’t a bad thing—it’s essential for feelings of accomplishment and joy. But if you depend on it alone, your heart’s cup will quickly empty again.”

“That’s so true. When I buy something, I feel like, ‘Yes! I got it!’ But right after that, I start thinking, ‘What should I buy next?’”

“That’s dopamine’s nature. On the other hand, if you pour serotonin or oxytocin into your heart’s cup, it fills more steadily and even starts to patch the holes.”

Money-san’s words seemed to touch something deep within me. I felt as though subtle changes were already beginning to take root.

“So, how can I fill my heart with serotonin or oxytocin?”

“To fill your heart with serotonin or oxytocin, it’s important to incorporate actions into your daily life that focus on gratitude and connection.”

Ways to Boost Serotonin (Gratitude)

• Notice small blessings Take time to appreciate simple things like “I had a good meal today” or “The weather is nice.”
• Express gratitude verbally Saying “thank you” to friends or family can increase serotonin and bring a sense of calm to both you and the person you thank.
• Engage in rhythmic activities Rhythmic exercises, like walking or deep breathing, can promote serotonin release and stabilize your emotions.

Ways to Boost Oxytocin (Connection)

• Spend quality time with loved ones Simply sharing meals or conversations with your partner or family can increase oxytocin levels.
• Physical touch or gestures of affection Holding hands, giving a pat on the shoulder, or hugging can stimulate oxytocin production.
• Express gratitude to others Since oxytocin is closely tied to building trust and bonds, expressing appreciation strengthens relationships and increases this chemical.

“Serotonin fills the heart gently and steadily, while oxytocin provides a deep sense of connection and security. Focusing on these two will help patch the holes in your heart’s cup and allow it to hold more water over time.”

“That makes sense! But what kind of changes can I expect if I start filling my heart’s cup like that?”

“When you intentionally increase serotonin and oxytocin, the changes will gradually become noticeable. These changes won’t just affect you—they’ll positively impact those around you as well.”

Examples of Positive Changes

1. Reduced anxiety and restlessness Serotonin helps stabilize your emotions, allowing you to feel, “What I have now is enough.” This reduces the weight of worry and impatience.
2. Stronger bonds with loved ones As oxytocin levels rise, time spent with family or your partner becomes more fulfilling, naturally strengthening trust and mutual understanding.
3. Less overspending, more lasting satisfaction When you stop relying solely on dopamine, you’ll prioritize lasting contentment over temporary thrills, reducing unnecessary purchases.
4. Gratitude becomes a habit, creating a positive cycle As you practice gratitude, your relationships and experiences improve, leading to even more moments of thankfulness. This cycle is the foundation of emotional and spiritual abundance.

“These changes, when accumulated, lead to a genuine feeling of ‘being full.’ That sense of fulfillment creates a ripple effect, bringing peace and abundance to your life.”

“That’s amazing! I can kind of picture it now. But I’m not sure where to start. What’s the best first step?”

“That awareness is a fantastic first step! Start by appreciating what you already have. Filling the heart’s cup begins with simple acts of gratitude.”

Money-san offered this piece of advice with a gentle tone.

“The key is to start small. For example:

• ‘I’m grateful for another day of good health.’
• ‘I’m thankful for the warm meal I had today.’
• ‘I appreciate having my girlfriend by my side.’

Gratitude doesn’t have to be grand. Just turning your attention to the small blessings in daily life is enough. Over time, you’ll notice serotonin increasing, and you’ll start to feel its effects.”

Hearing this, I felt a subtle lightness in my heart. Gratitude began to spread warmly within me, as if it were gently filling the cup.

Through my conversations with Money-san, I sensed that something deep within me was shifting. This transformation wouldn’t just benefit me—it would also strengthen the bonds I shared with those I cared about. Gratitude’s cycle of energy would surely guide me toward a brighter and warmer future.

To be continued in the final episode: “A Heart Gently Filled, the Door to the Future.”