As the leaves begin to release their grip on the trees and the scent of pumpkin pie drifts through the air, we know that a time for gratitude is upon on us. Gratitude is the way to an open and happy heart. In a world where it is very easy to focus on our challenges, we often lose sight of all the good in our lives.
As a Yoga teacher one of the first questions I ask my students is if they have any injuries or any illness that may nAs eed to be addressed prior to practice. Of course these details are extremely important as a Yoga practice is meant to heal the body, but I have recently been shifting my words. Instead of focusing on what is wrong, I suggest that my students (and myself ) focus on what is working well and what part of us feels good!
If we were to really explore all of the positive aspects in our lives, I think that we would surprise ourselves. My suggestion for this season of gratitude is to create a gratitude journal. Make this journal something that can be easily accessed at any time of the day. One of the best times of the day to focus on gratitude is first thing in the morning before your mind is flooded with daily tasks. However, thoughts of gratitude can happen spontaneously at any time! Find gratitude in the sun, wind, rain, and snow! Find gratitude in the smile from a little child or the kindness of a stranger opening a door for you.
When we allow ourselves to live in a state of appreciation and gratitude, we open the door for more positive experiences. When we are in that uplifted state, the challenges that we face from time to time do not feel quite so….challenging! Every day, regardless of the season or holiday event, is a time for gratitude. There is so much beauty in this world, see it, feel it, take it into your heart, and then share it with the world!
Wuf Shanti! Wuf Peace! Wuf Namaste!