We are quickly heading into my favorite week of the year. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it represents everything that is important to me: My friends, my family, my open table, food, and taking pause. The Northeast is still in it’s festive energy and prime colors. This year, my son is living in Rome and the holidays will be a little different.
As I look over the Hudson on this sunny and bright Fall day, I am thankful for so many things. I am grateful for my many teachers of yoga, meditation and human behavior. I am also grateful for my never-ending curiosity and appreciate the opportunity to teach and share with others what has made my life more uplifting.
I have learned it’s difficult to be grateful when you’re going a million miles an hour in a million different directions. Living in one of the busiest parts of the world has forced me to learn to be still. Spending just a few minutes in stillness and silence can help you focus on all you have to be grateful for.
If you already have a designated time each day when you pray or meditate, try to incorporate some thoughts of gratitude into these moments. If you aren’t used to taking time to be still, give it a try. You can even set an alarm on your phone that goes off at the same time each day to remind you to stop, take a few deep breaths, and focus on something you are grateful for.
As the temperatures get cooler and the days grow shorter, I rely heavily on these practices. Darkness and cold weather aren’t always conducive to exercising outdoors so I can always rely on some warming breathing techniques and restorative yoga to shift my mood and energy. Taking time out of my schedule to practice meditation or conscious relaxation gives me the energy to focus not only on my work, but create an appreciation for what is most important to me – cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude.
Enjoy the beginning of the Holiday Season. Happy Thanksgiving!
With Love and Gratitude,
