A Note on Gratitude
Ok. Let’s get real for a second. Gratitude isn’t constantly pouring out of every orifice.
Sometimes it’s hard to muster up an ounce of it, particularly in moments of intense desperation, anxiety, or fear.
And more of the the truth?
Sometimes that makes a person feel guilty, adding even more anxiety.
That’s why we need yoga. Lots of it. The more the better.
Yoga gives us the opportunity to just be with our thoughts, to surrender to things that are beyond our control, and to
become less reactive to everyone and everything that gets in the way of gratitude.
Gratitude means “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”
So why is it so hard to find perspective when you are really pissed off? Because we are human, and gratitude takes
practice. Loads of practice. It means acknowledging that you have the choices. And one of those choices is to breath
first.
Another thought on gratitude, living in the moment helps.
It starts with intentional breath.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Repeat.
It’s asking our bodies to show up no matter how many pounds of Halloween candy we gobbled, or how much weight
we’ve gained since we packed away our swimwear.
This is life. This is all we have. We have to start where we are, with what we have.
And sometimes, it’s finding gratitude in the smallest breath.
Let it begin there, and just allow the rest to unfold.
And come to yoga class today.
— Megan Ellis, Sumits Yoga Instructor