Thoughts on Yoga
Thanksgiving Message 2006
2006-11-28
On behalf of all the teachers at Mama Nirvana's I wish you and your family the most joyous of celebrations.
I would like to share with you a little practice that I have found immensely satisfying.
Each night before I go to sleep, I think back over my day. I look for anything that happened that I feel truly thankful for. When I think of something, I silently say "thank you."
Sometimes if we are feeling bad it seems like we can't think of even one thing to be grateful for. That's a time to be very patient and kind with yourself. It's just fine to focus on little things. Perhaps you enjoyed the way your lunch tasted, or a you liked watching a funny tv show, or you saw some lovely sight on your way home from work. Whatever it was, however small, as long as you feel thankful for it, that's enough.
When I approach this with an open mind, I always think of things that otherwise would have gone unnoticed. After one thing comes to mind, something else always follows until the little trickle becomes a steady stream of gratitude that fills my heart to the brim.
This practice reminds me how generously I am supported in my life. It calms and reassures me. It helps me feel grounded when I confront the multitude of small and large disappointments that arise in the course of a day.
This Thanksgiving, I am incredibly grateful for Mama Nirvana's which bestows the opportunity to teach and share yoga with so many people. Thank you so much for giving me and all of us teachers the honor of being part of your life.
Namaste, (Blessings)
Ruth Anne