Gratitude

This week we will be inundated with heart stuff. (We have been for weeks already) Heart shaped gifts, chocolate, jewelry. It's always a romantic partnership that is lauded during Valentine's Day. (National Geographic has an interesting article about its' history) And its nice to be romantic, but this week I would rather focus on the gratitude that arises as a result of having any kind of support and connection with another living thing. This is incredibly broad, and purposefully so. While I hope you get to celebrate with your partner the romantic relationship you share, in the interest of inclusion and fostering gratitude, let's do some shoulder work and open to all the ways we can love and be loved.

We are more tolerant of the negativity that can be thrown our way if we love the pitcher. While I am in no way encouraging you to let others take advantage of you,  if we were a little bit more willing to extend that tolerance to others, the world would be much more peaceful.

Siblings parents cousins friends aunts uncles children co-workers teachers students in-laws and especially those who rub you the wrong way. What can you learn by thinking of these people in a less angry attitude? Let's not forget yourself. While it takes mindful awareness to prevent the cross over from self care and appreciation to egocentric narcissism, its well worth the effort. You do no one any good, least of all yourself, when you are masochistic. Take care of yourself in your yoga practice. Show some loving kindness to yourself. Then you will be more able to do the same with others.