Gratitude

Definition:

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful. The more you feel genuine gratitude, the more things you will attract into your life to feel grateful for. Gratitude rewires our brains, kick-starting the production of dopamine and serotonin. Yogis often refer to it as Vitamin G.

From a yoga perspective, there is a dynamic balance between offering (or expressing) gratitude and accepting (or receiving) gratitude. When we express appreciation, we’re offering energy outward as manifested by expansive, heart-opening poses. When we accept gratitude humbly without dismissal, we honor the giver and use inward, grounding poses as symbols. Together, they form a cycle: what we receive, we can then offer; what we offer, we open ourselves to receive.

Mantras:

Every thankful moment makes me healthier.

Gratitude fills my heart with positive energy.

Quotes:

“Feeling gratitude isn’t born in us – it’s something we are taught, and in turn, we teach our children” —  Joyce Brothers

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” — Robert Brault (author)

“It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” — Brother David Steindl-Rast Benedictine monk

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” — Epicurus (Greek philosopher)

“Gratitude turns a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” — Melody Beattie, American author

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” — Meister Eckhart, German theologian from the late1200s

Savasana:

Attitude of Gratitude meditation on Coached by Nikki Dyer YouTube Channel.

Definition: 

Balance refers to physical equilibrium and emotional equanimity. On the physical plane, work to strengthen ankles, hips, and muscles, and awareness of how your body adapts to changing centers of gravity (proprioception). On the mental and emotional planes, acknowledge that all experiences, whether pleasant or unpleasant, are temporary and subject to change. Savor your joys in the present moment and accept that adversities are not permanent

Mantras:

May I be a calm observer of my thoughts and emotions.

My mind and body are in harmony and balance.

Quotes:

Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity. -Carl Jung

To cultivate equanimity, we practice catching ourselves when we feel attraction or aversion, before it hardens into grasping or negativity.

Pema Chodron, American Tibetan-Buddhist teacher, author of “When Things Fall Apart”

“The yoga pose is not the goal. Becoming flexible is not the goal. Standing on your hands is not the goal. The goal is serenity. Balance. Truly finding peace in your own skin.”

Rachel Brathen, CEO of Yoga Girl

“Balance is not something you find; it’s something you create.” – Jana Kingsford (Australian author)

Savasana:

Balance affirmations meditation on Mini Meds YouTube channel.

Definition:

Detox means supporting the body, mind, and emotions in letting go of what you don’t need.

By doing twists, inversions, and deep breathing, you can improve your circulation, digestion, and lymphatic system. By concentrating on your breathing, you can mentally declutter and reset your mind. When your mind is clear, you can let go of emotional stress and create space for lighter feelings.

Mantras:

Every exhale releases tension and toxins from my mind and body.

I clear my mind of clutter and allow clarity to flow.

Quotations:

“The accumulation of toxins in the body/mind system accelerates aging. The elimination of toxins awakens the capacity for renewal.”  Deepak Chopra

“You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be.” — Marianne Williamson

“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” — Dan Millman, author and motivational speaker

“Twists in yoga are more than shapes—they’re sacred wringing out of the old, clearing the way for energy and vitality to flow freely.”— Elena Brower, yoga teacher and author

Savasana:

A 4-minute cut from Healing Sleep Meditation on Michelle’s Meditation Sanctuary YouTube Channel.