Glossary of Heart: Satisfaction vs. Gratification

Satisfaction comes from satiation–the attempt to find comfort by avoiding the heart’s necessary pain. We use sensual means to silence the heart’s desires, ultimately leaving us lusting for more. We satiate our brains, our stomachs, our genitals, and our actions with a focus on avoidance. We avoid our senses (feelings) by converting them to the sensual.

Gratification comes from gratitude. It uses the pleasure and passion we have for life that comes from being adept at feelings. Feelings allow us to live fully in the vulnerability of relationship with ourselves, God, and others. Gratification operates out of our God-given craving for life and allows us to press into a future with a passion in the midst of pain.