In this post I am focusing on the third intention of my life’s manifesto, cultivate gratitude:

Stay Present

Practice Patience

Cultivate Gratitude

Maintain Flexibility

Be Kind and Gentle

Remain Humble & Open Minded

Forgive, Forgive, Forgive

And above all else

Love Deeply

A little ruminating…

I’ve already written a bit about about gratitude here, in that I am moving more towards the idea that LIFE is a joyous gift that we are granted, not some sort of cosmic punishment or trap for misdeeds…that the first act of gratitude comes by loving the very gift of life.

As I move through my days, make plans, teach, love, talk, laugh, sing (or some approximation thereof) I know there are moments when it feels hard, difficult, impossible even…I know that often I have become overwhelmed and despaired (and it will probably happen again) Yet somehow something always comes around to remind me how amazing life is…my husband’s smile, my youngest son’s laugh, a call from my son overseas, a story from the other one about school or my grandson, the ridiculous way my dog wags his whole body, watching people dance, eating a vegan cupcake , realizing you share a favorite move with a friend….the list is quite literally ENDLESS for as I type new wonders and joys are being created just for me. So no matter how grateful I am, no matter how much I say thank you there will always be more to be thankful for — how utterly amazing and astonish is that?

And not that “I’m so thankful it’s not worse feeling”, or I have so much more, or thank goodness that didn’t happen to me…that’s dirty gratitude; I’m talking the truthful joyousness for the all the marvelous things that we too often take for granted. When was the last time you marveled — I mean MARVELED over a piece of fruit? Or a cactus? Or the sky? Or or or???

There is god in every morsel of food we imbibe and yet we all too easily take it for granted. Most of us are blessed with people that would notice if we disappeared — have you stopped recently to appreciate how wonderful that is?

My list of intentions, my Life Manifesto if you will — is my reminder, to myself, of those things that I believe help me live a life worthy of the gift of being human. Adopting an attitude of gratitude brings all the other intentions more readily into focus.

I’d like to thank the world for the lessons, the love, the leaps of faith and each day that allows me to keep growing.

Asana (yoga pose) for the week:

Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby)

Hey, we are practicing being happy to be alive…this sort of embodies that experience. Don’t forget to smile and rock!!!

Wellness Tip of the Week:

Attitude of Gratitude Adjustment Intensive: The power of gratitude is oft underestimated. See what it can do for you —

1. every morning and ever night for 21 days list 5 things you are thankful for (any size and try to do something new each list)
2. At the end of the day read what you wrote in the morning when you write your evening list and of course each morning read the list from the night before…
3. Post each list in a place where you can keep adding to them and where you can see the list often and watch your heart and happiness grow as the list does…

After you complete your attitude intensive, let me know about your experience!! [email protected]

So many great articles abound about cultivating gratitude – need some help just google it! Here is just one example…Gratitude Lowers Stress