It’s an interesting play on words – we have a day in our culture set aside to give thanks and call it Thanksgiving. And if we wish to bring more positive energy into our lives it’s helpful to give thanks every day. So perhaps we can contemplate how to bring a sense of thanksgiving into our lives throughout the year rather than focusing on the idea of giving thanks only on one particular day. I heard an interesting challenge on NPR this week that suggested we start considering what we are grateful for from our experiences in 2017 (pleasant or unpleasant) prior to the actual day of Thanksgiving so we are prepared to share our gratitude clearly with our family and friends as we sit down to share a meal. Certainly there are many families that already have a regular ritual of giving thanks with each meal who won’t feel daunted by this task. And for some of us this is not a daily tradition so it may feel like a stretch to feel grateful for the entire year, all in one day! So take it one day at a time, taking time every day – (not necessarily at a meal) perhaps when you first wake up or just prior to going to sleep – to remember something you are grateful for in your life. It might be as simple as feeling gratitude for waking up, or feeling grateful for a warm bed. It might be as complex as having gratitude for a challenging situation that’s providing room and incentive for growth. Whatever your choice is, perhaps set a goal for the remainder of 2017 and the entirety of 2018 to be grateful on a daily basis and then notice how your life acquires a new sense of ease; a sense of things falling into place. Enjoy the practice and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Yoga Adobe will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd to share time with family and I sincerely hope that you all have a lovely day of sharing and giving thanks with your companions.
Namaste
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