Abundant gratitude.

I know we’re several weeks past Thanksgiving, but the concept of gratitude has been percolating in my mind for many weeks and pretty much always, actually.  It sounds weird, but I’m actually grateful for the abundance of gratitude in my life.  I’ve reached a stage where I am able to recognize and acknowledge the vast blessings in my life, rather than focus on what’s not there.  The past year gave me the opportunity to truly put into practice a consistent attitude of gratitude, as I struggled with layoffs, unemployment, uncertainty, and at times, fear.

While I was lucky to know my basic needs could be met (i.e. food & shelter), my life meandered like a car on an unknown dirt road, unsure of where I was headed or when I’d get there.  However, I knew if I kept moving forward, taking action and maintaining integrity, the current unknowns would be revealed.  And in the meantime, I’d remember to take inventory of the amazing gifts I’d been given.  In addition to my basic life needs, I have a beautiful home, a devoted husband, a loving and supportive extended family, amazing friends, an invigorating yoga practice and kula that inspires me always.  I eat well and drink wine; I live near the ocean with good weather.  I am healthy.  Need I go on?

Believe me, I COULD make as long a list of everything I don’t have, but then I’d be lying to myself and others that my life is not amazingly complete, even in its imperfections.  My yoga practice has allowed me to place gratitude in the forefront of my thoughts.  I do not see what I can not do; I honor everything that I can.  I give light to the inherent beauty of the moment, even while recognizing the simultaneous imperfections that exist.  This process has been years in the making, and it’s always a work in progress, so no matter where you may be in your process, just be grateful.