Thursday is Thanksgiving, and things may look a little different this year. Because of the pandemic, many Americans will have to forgo the huge family (or chosen family) dinner and boisterous football fest. This year, many of us will be celebrating a smaller, quieter sort of holiday. But even if we can’t follow the outlines of the traditional American celebration this year, it’s worth reflecting on the truly wonderful fact that we have a holiday dedicated (in theory, at least) to gratitude.
Which brings us to yoga, and to Yoga Neighborhood. For yogis far and wide, perhaps we can all take some time this week to contemplate how grateful we are for our yoga practice and for all that makes it possible. As challenging as this year has been for many of us, if anything my own gratitude for yoga has gained previously unrealized depths.
Below is a very partial list, in no particular order, of yoga-related things I’m grateful for. Take a look, and see if any of them resonate with you as well:
I’m grateful for the relative health and fitness of my body, which allows me to practice as I do. (I am deep into my fifties at this point, and my practice no longer looks like it did in my youth, but rather than lamenting those few things I can no longer do with ease, I choose to celebrate what I CAN do.)
I’m grateful also for the relative health and fitness of my mind, which allows me to keep growing and learning in my practice.
I’m grateful for the breath that fuels my practice and my life.
I’m grateful for my association with Yoga Neighborhood and the amazing people I have met through this organization.
I’m grateful for each and every one of Yoga Neighborhood’s partners and our talented pool of teachers.
I’m grateful for the knowledge that someday (and may it be soon!) this pandemic will be in the past, and yoga will still be here for us.
I’m grateful for every mistake and every so-called failure in my practice (like still not being able to do Crow Pose after more than 40 years on the mat!), because each one is an opportunity to learn and grow.
And the list could go on and on…But I’ll stop here, because it’s time to get up from the desk and go enjoy the beauty of the day and the many, many things I have to be grateful for.
What are you most grateful for? Share it with us in the comments below. And have a joyful, healthy, and peaceful Thanksgiving.
Janet