"The attitude of gratitude is the highest yoga."
Bringing awareness to those I am grateful to:
- I am grateful to my teachers and their teachers back through time.
- I am grateful to my students as they also have taught me as we practice together.
- I am grateful to my parents who loved me, nurtured me and created a rich environment for my growth and well-being.
- I am grateful to my family who have cared for me, supported me and encouraged me throughout my life. Who have shared their joys and sorrows and their lives with me.
- I am grateful to my many friends for their acceptance and generosity – for all the fun times that we have shared.
- I am grateful to my community where I have found opportunity and support.
- I am grateful to all beings who created the materials used to provide the comfortable life I have, including my home, and my possessions.
- I am grateful to the farmers, food processing and supply chain workers who grow, harvest and deliver food that nourishes my body. I am also grateful to those who prepare the food that I eat in a skilled and loving way, so that I may be nourished and healthy.
- I am grateful to service providers, such as health care professionals, business people and technology professionals who have helped me as I address and work through challenges and opportunities in my life.
- I am grateful to spiritual seekers, and artists who have inspired me, helping me see and feel the beauty and hope in this world.
- I am grateful to my God for the many blessings and grace he has freely given to me.
A gratitude practice is a great way to steer your life in a positive direction. Here are some tips for establishing a practice:
- Make a Gratitude Oath! ~ Being aware of your goal/desire to be more grateful can help you find things to be grateful for. Gratitude is a conscious decision that needs consistent practice. Try writing your oath down and place it in several places to remind yourself throughout the day. (on the bathroom mirror, by your nightstand, on the fridge).
- Think of your “Favorites” ~ for example favorite color, flower, season, place, song, etc. As you think of favorites, reflect on what makes them a favorite for you…. This line of thinking will often take you to grateful thoughts.
- Begin a Gratitude Journal ~ Take time to write down 3 things you are grateful for each day. When you are feeling a little down, go back and review your journal. It may likely lift your spirits.
- Set a Gratitude Pause Button! ~ Set a timer on your phone as a Gratitude Pause Button, when the alarm sounds stop and look around name 3-10 things you are grateful for, maybe even send a quick text or message to someone you are thankful for.
- Watch Your Words ~ Words have power, you can feel more grateful in life if you are using more positive and more enlightening words. Words that stress you and make you feel worthless should definitely be eliminated. When you have a task to complete, do you say to yourself or others…. I HAVE to _____ or could you change that to be I GET to_____ or I am looking forward to _______. How often do you use the word BUSY? I’m so busy _____ maybe try Life is full of _________.
- Think Outside of Yourself. ~ There is nothing more rewarding in this world than helping other people improve their lives. Become involved in a cause that is important to you. Give your old clothes and books to a charitable institution, help a friend, volunteer, etc. as you become aware of other people who are less fortunate than you, you will start to feel a deeper appreciation for what you do have.
- Share Gratitude with your Family and Friends! Let others know regularly that you are grateful for them and for what they do for you. Focusing on the positive will help you feel good, and help those you love feel appreciated.