Gratitude, Appreciation, and Ease

This week, arguably, begins the holiday madness. I've always found it odd the way this time of year is anticipated. It is enjoyed by so many and yet creates so much stress; even in those who love it. Of course, I haven't always felt this way. At one point, I was a child.

This is the perfect time, now and for the next several months, to take an hour or so for yourself and prepare with a yoga class. I know that sounds like a shameless self promotion, but it isn't. Take any class that helps you feel grateful and at ease. If you can manage to cultivate one, the other is much easier to have. It is when you take a step back from extra activities because you're stressed and overwhelmed that yoga can be most valuable. When you commit to a regular practice, even if it's for 10 minutes at home, it can have a wide sweeping impact on your mental, emotional, and physical well being. It is when you are trying to take care of so many things that it becomes most important to take care of yourself.
One of the talented women I have been fortunate enough to meet in the advanced teacher training I am currently in, is Jennifer Venditti. She is opening a yoga studio in Glenville for those in the area, Lilananda Yoga . On her home page she has written words that get to my point : "One of the greatest things about yoga is that it will always be there for you. It's kind of like having the best friend you could possibly imagine. Always there ready to accept you and hold a space for you no matter where you are or where you're coming from. Whether you've never practiced before, if you haven't been on your mat in a very long time or if you practice every day, your practice is always there for you!"

I looked up the definitions of gratitude and appreciation because words said so often can sometimes become less meaningful. According to Google, gratitude is "the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness". The idea of returning kindness is what struck me here. I didn't know that was part of the definition and feeling behind the word. Most appropriate. And there's appreciation, which is "the recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something".

I am grateful for many things in my life. One of them is when Izic gave me the list of things he's grateful for this morning, his family was the first thing and his video games weren't. I am so blessed to have such amazing people in my life. My love took care of me and everything over the weekend while I recovered from oral surgery. My daughter makes me smile and laugh every single day. She is amazing. Izic has been my teacher from day one and I can't imagine what my life would be without his having been in it.
As I have continued on my path of self exploration through a practice of yoga, I have been fortunate enough to have met some wonderful, inspiring yoga practitioners. I have spoken before of my teacher, Lauren Toolin. She said this once during a class and it has stayed with me: "Be grateful for everything in your life that has led you to this moment."

Everything. Who you are isn't just what you consider good things about yourself. You are not less for what you consider bad things about yourself. Let's try for grateful for everything. Let the lessons you learn in life inspire you to live better.