In Gratitude

     We have been ending our yoga practices with time for being thankful.  After svasana I have offered time to "think of those things you are thankful for today from the small and the not so small." I hope this has been helpful for everyone.  To find things to be thankful for can make the difference between a down day and a day with joy.  When clouds loom or tiredness settles in, it is hard to feel or see the joy.  Taking some time to sit and breath and focus opens our hearts to even the smallest amounts of joy in our day. These small amounts of joy or thanks can be the cat sitting in your lap, having a good breakfast, the smile or conversation wth a friend or coworker or even the sun shinning into your car as you drive.  Times for breath and thanks can happen throughout a day.  It only takes a few minutes to sit, close your eyes or focus away, take some breaths and think about moments in your day, or things in your day that you are thankful for.  These quiet times can be spontaneous or scheduled say on the hour or done on your breaks.  I have been finding they work best for me as I become tired or frustrated to just quiet myself and be thankful.  I feel joy like the sunlight coming into my body and spirit.
    The devotional I read this morning reminded me that "thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity."  Giving thanks opens our hearts to God's presence.  It also opens our minds to the Spirit working inside us. 
Some good scripture related to giving thanks:
Ephesians 5:20 
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Psalm 118:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
We sing a song at church:
"Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the holy one, give thanks because he's give Jesus Christ his Son..."
I pray for all of you as you discover you "thanks" each day.
Happy Thanksgiving!