Thanksgiving is upon us, or at least upon the Americans among us! As an American living in London I’ve tried to spread my love of this holiday to my friends and family here for the past 4 years and would now like to spread my love with all of you!
Steeped in false historical accounts, celebrating ‘how great’ Native Americans and settlers got along you may wonder why this holiday is even allowed to remain on the calendar. I admit, the set up is dodgy, but here’s why I love Thanksgiving: at the root it’s all about spreading love and gratitude.
In preparation, I’d like to take some time out to discuss Gratitude and why it’s so important to show it for others, and for YOURSELF!
Benefits of being grateful:
There is scientific proof that being grateful can improve your psychological health. Robert A. Emmons, PhD. has been studying the science behind gratitude and found that increased levels of gratitude also came with improved relationships, energy levels, and can even help people dealing with tragedy and crisis. Being truly grateful cuts down our levels of envy, aggression, and negates the victim mentality we can take on in times of stress.
Showing gratitude to the ones you love is an excellent way to build them up and show them you care. I recently saw a teacher in Florida who every day takes time to tell his students what makes them great. Showing his gratitude to his students helps them feel more confident and, he reports, they are more gracious to each other and more able to express themselves in class. How lovely is that! It’s super easy to do, take 5 minutes and send a note to someone you are grateful to, it’s proven to have positive effects on their life as well as your own!
It may be easy to start sharing gratitude with those around you, but can we show it for ourselves?
Self love is a hard thing to cultivate, and a lot of people have trouble with it. In a world where we are very outward seeking, where we are goal oriented, and where even when those goals are met the bench mark is moved a little further away; it can be hard to say what we have and what we’ve accomplished is enough.
In this season of thanks and gratitude, there’s no better time to reflect on what you DO have. Give thanks for all the little things you take for granted each day. Acknowledge that you are enough, you don’t need to reach that next bench mark to be better or more complete. Allow yourself to accept this gratitude and start to cultivate a sense of self love by doing so.
Bring this gratitude practice to the mat.
Before I start a practice I like to dedicate it to someone or something. It can be to someone I know and love, or to someone I think really needs my love. It can be to an area of my life, like trying to build patience, or acceptance. Whatever you are thankful for, take some time to write it down, meditate on it, and tell that person! Live your yoga practice in the way you treat others and yourself.
bonnyleeyoga 