Gratitude

As part of my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training, we have been encouraged to practice gratitude as one of our daily disciplines. It is wonderful that people often post what they are Thankful for in November, and that school kids are taught about the first Thanksgiving meal as a reminder to be thankful for the basics of companionship and food. Practicing gratitude daily, and acknowledging whatever it is I am most appreciative of at the time no matter how small, has made me more of a grateful person in general. 

When you get used to thinking about what you are grateful for every day, you are somewhat forced out of habits of anxiety, fear, negativity, and get yourself "used" to noticing all of the little things that you might usually take for granted. After a bitterly cold day today, I took a hot shower. Instead of dwelling on how much I hate winter (like I normally would do), I paused to appreciate just how good the hot water felt. This led to a meaningful conversation with my five year old daughter about how hard some people need to work just to find clean drinking water, let alone hot water to bathe. I don't want to dismiss or diminish anyone's stress or feelings of despair, but think about  how lucky most of us are to just be able to turn on a tap and have hot or cold water whenever we want it. When we save our gratitude for November only, we might miss opportunities to become more aware of our blessings and the small graces we are awarded each and every day.

As a person who has worked her way through college, two graduate degrees, and accrued a mountain of student debt in attempts to find a profession that is fulfilling, I am very grateful to have finally found a "job" that brings me so much joy and fulfillment.  I am thankful for the yogis I have the opportunity to teach, guide, and practice with. Every day I teach others, I learn more. I learn about humility, grace, and the power of the human body and spirit to heal itself. I am thankful for the deep satisfaction I feel just knowing someone has left my class feeling better than when they walked in.

Happy Thanksgiving! Namaste.