Gratitude for What We Take for Granted
When I think about the upcoming U.S. holiday next week where we all say our “thank yous”, my perspective has shifted about what matters most. I usually think first of my family, friends and the things I enjoy in life, but admittedly the first thing I think of being grateful for this year is my breath.
During this pandemic, my yoga practice has helped me slow down and take the time to savor this simple act in new way. With almost 248,000 Americans as of writing this currently deceased due to COVID-19, now is the time to acknowledge the unconscious tasks our body does every day to take care of us and appreciate what we take for granted.
For example, our autonomic nervous system is a control system that acts largely unconsciously and regulates bodily functions, such as the heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate and more. All of this is controlled by the vagus nerve which essentially is our longest and most complex of our twelve cranial nerves and also helps us bounce back faster from adversity.
Though we’ll all be thinking of what we’re grateful for outside ourselves including family, friends, food, and home, here are five ways you can express gratitude in your yoga practice the rest of this month (and beyond):
Set a Sankalpa or intention. An effective Sankalpa is a short, positive, and precise statement about what you wish to attain for yourself and/or for the benefit of all. For example, May I clearly see all there is to be grateful for in my life.
Create a yoga altar where you practice. On a table or shelf, you can put things symbolizing what you’re thankful for, like photos of your family and friends. Surround these gratitude symbols with candles, incense, and gems that you enjoy.
While practicing, count your blessings instead of your breaths. While it’s hard to do this throughout your entire practice, try spending one long held pose (Pigeon is a good one) thinking of one thing your grateful for linked to each breath.
Give back with Karma yoga. Offering your help and using your talents, even if small ways, to benefit others can bring you inner peace. There are opportunities everywhere to connect and do good, whether in a class, online or outside.
Focus on the positive. Sometimes we’re bothered by our “shortcomings” when we’re practicing, like if we’re managing an injury or if we’re not as flexible as we used to be. Use your practice to be an observer to your thoughts and commit to seeing all the things you CAN do with gratitude.