Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice

Thanksgiving. The name of this holiday sets the tone for the day and the season ahead. Being THANKFUL for all that you have and GIVING to others are both shortcuts to experiencing more joy and abundance. In yoga, we cultivate a long-term practice toward physical, mental, and spiritual goals and celebrate the small milestones along the way. A common way to start a yoga class is to simplify down to the sound of your breath and the sensations in your body and to set an intention (a positive affirmation or mantra) as a beacon to guide you. Creating an “attitude of gratitude” is a similar practice. Start by considering the most basic things in your life that you are grateful for and move slowly outward. Over time, the goal is to exist from a constant place of gratitude and  to realize that even the most basic resources, like simply being alive each day, are gifts to be grateful for. 

The truth is there are no ordinary moments. The essence of gratitude is the understanding that every moment of your life is something to be grateful for and all that you have is worthy of your gratitude. But how do you shift from a state of lack or longing to a state of gratitude and joy?

Give Thanks

Literally say the words “Thank You” (and mean it!) every time someone does something kind for you. We often only remember to thank others when we receive a gift or a grand gesture of kindness. But what about the small stuff? Thank the person who listens to you after a rough day. Extend your gratitude when someone makes a meal, sweeps the floor, or takes the dog for a walk.  Thank your children for taking their shoes off at the door. Thank someone for loving you. Thank the grocer you see in the market who stocks the isle and the mail delivery person you see in passing. Start your gratitude practice by sharing it with others and thanking them for the small, unnoticed events during the day. As you start to acknowledge others for the small things, notice the light you add to their day as well and how you both have a bit more joy by sharing a commonly overlooked phrase. 

Shift Your Perspective

At times, we may focus on the things we do not have and see the world through a lens of desire, which tends to attract more discontentment. This season, shift your perspective to focus on the things you already have. You will quickly realize how abundant your life actually is and as you focus more on the positive aspects of your life instead of what is lacking, you will align yourself with more abundance as a result. 

Consider this: if you have a roof and a bed, food to eat and clothes on your back, you are wealthier than ¾ of the world.  If you have the freedom to think and explore your own spirituality, your basic health, change in your wallet, and someone that cares about you, then you have much to be grateful for that many around the world are less fortunate to have.

I recommend you start a simple gratitude journal this season with a short entry at the end of every day. For each quick entry, finish the sentence, “Today I am grateful for…” Think of the simple stuff first. This moment. This breath. An able body. Basic health. Warm clothes. A nutritious breakfast. A best friend. Eventually, you can move outward until your list is longer than you would have imagined. Life itself is a gift. Many of us have come to understand this truth with new appreciation since current events have shifted our “normal” lives into what they are currently. Having toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and rice in your cupboard is a new form of wealth that we previously took for granted in our lifestyles. 

What is Truly Important?

This year has been challenging, to say the least. It has reset life across the planet. In the early months of 2020, many lost their jobs, family members, and a sense of normalcy. And yet, there has been a global shift in our collective awareness around how lucky we are to be alive, maybe to have a family to quarantine with, to have basic needs met. As you cultivate your attitude of gratitude, stay as connected as you can to what you truly need in a day to be happy. It is less likely that a new pair of running shoes or fancy new technology makes your heart sing, but rather the sound of your sibling's voice on the phone, or a walk through the neighborhood on a sunny day. 

Share Your Service

Another fascinating result of this year’s pandemic has been the outpouring of service and generosity in our local communities. Maybe you have seen a post on social media offering to pick up and drop off food to the elderly or maybe you have offered to help a friend who was laid off make ends meet. There is always someone less fortunate than you are and one way to truly understand what is important and settle into a state of gratitude is by being of service to others in need. Drop off baked goods to a neighbor who lost their job or offer to buy coffee for your friend who has been struggling emotionally because of life changes. The more you give to others, the more you will realize how much you have.

This Thanksgiving, practice gratitude outwardly whenever you can and count your blessings every day. Look for opportunities to be joyful and happy. There is a lesson and a gift in every moment if you choose to see it. Live your most extraordinary life from the inside outward. Thank you for being a part of our yoga family! 

This holiday season, CorePower Yoga and Dress for Success have partnered to support gender equality and women facing disproportionate rates of job loss and unequal pay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thanksgiving Day, all CorePower Live classes will be donation-based, with all donations going directly to Dress For Success. Reserve your spot in class here. We hope you can join us!