Help Others Give Thanks and Show Gratitude Every Day
LifePower Yoga - November 21, 2012
"The spirit in me bows to the spirit in you."
Giving thanks is something us yogis do every time we come to our mat. We begin our practice by finding our breath, setting an intention for our one-hour-and-some-odd-minutes class, and then flow through sequences that help us be mindful of the moment. We end our physical practice in lotus or a seated posture, placing our palms together and bowing to each other while saying, "Namaste."
Tomorrow marks the one day a year that our society comes together to offer "thanks" in the the United States. For those of us who may not practice sharing gratitude in our lives – or yogic practice – Thanksgiving presents the opportunity to be happy for the many fortunate things in our lives. Be it family or friends, a roof over our heads, healthy food to eat, or the gift of overall health, it's important that we acknowledge what makes us happy and then find a way to be grateful for these things each and every day.
Let's make a commitment to honor Thanksgiving every day: in our yoga practice, in our workplace, in our homes and in our lives. It's easy to do. Try one of these ideas:
1) Make an intention to share your love and joy with others at the start of your next yoga class.
2) Practice random acts of kindness – even if it's as simple as smiling at your cashier while waiting in line at the supermarket.
3) Be grateful for the food on your plate before enjoying your next meal.
4) Send an email to a co-worker thanking them for a task they may have helped you with.
5) Tell someone important to you, "I love you." Every day.
6) Be in the moment in everything you do, even when it isn't pleasurable, and be grateful that "this too, shall pass."
7) Remember to be grateful for our natural breath and its calming effects.
8) Take a minute to look at your surroundings a few times per day. Be happy to bask in the lights of your cube or the shade of a tree in your backyard.
9) Use your gift of hearing to listen to someone, letting them drive a conversation.
10) Think about the plural "we" and try to navigate away from saying or thinking only about "you, me, my or I."
How will you practice gratitude in your life?