Although it’s December and the official Thanksgiving month is in the past, thankfulness, gratitude, and appreciation can be everyday opportunities. For me, this year’s Thanksgiving took second place to the birth of my grandniece on Saturday. She is healthy and robust at 8 pounds, 7 ounces. As of this writing, I haven’t met her. Her big brother had first dibs. I’ll get my turn. I’m willing to share.
I’m a big fan of saying “Thank you” when I receive and of saying “You’re welcome” when thanked. Giving and receiving go together and we can experience both aspects at the same time. When both come from the heart, there is an exchange you can feel.
One definition of gratitude is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” As you might know from your own experience with gratitude, we can train in this practice like we train our bodies and minds on the yoga mat.
Although I usually think of gratitude as an opportunity to be thankful for what I receive, I can also be grateful for the opportunity to serve and to give. Let’s start with receiving. What are you thankful for in these three areas: People in your life, experiences, and places? How does the memory of your gratitude feel—physically, mentally, and emotionally? For me, I’m thankful for my family; for the ability to walk; for my home and safe neighborhood; for the yoga students who show up for classes with me; for the sunsets I witness from my front deck. When I turn my attention to the feeling of gratitude, I experience my body and mind as spacious and free, without boundaries.
What about the opportunity to give? I’m thankful for the teachings of yoga that I’m able to pass along. I’m thankful for the medical education I received that helps me offer health insights to others. I’m grateful I can help my niece with childcare. I am thankful that I can direct my mind to appreciation instead of deprivation. The feelings that come with giving are similar to those of receiving—namely, open joyful expansiveness.
I was surprised to learn that some people’s ability to experience gratitude is blocked by feelings of obligation, deprivation, indebtedness, or even entitlement. Are there moments when your ability to receive or give is blocked? How does that feel? Go to the body for information. For me, the expansive joy of giving and receiving far outweighs the feeling of constriction from withholding.
The practice of gratitude, of both giving and receiving, can be cultivated. Simply put, when we give or receive with gratitude, we acknowledge the goodness in our lives and our interconnected with all beings. We can make the world a better place when we act from a thankful heart.
Let’s practice together. It’s simple, although sometimes not easy. Neither is downward dog, yet we persevere. We practice.
As soon as I am invited, I’m going to welcome a new baby girl. I’m grateful.