Gratitude never grows old
Making daily gratitude a part of your yoga practice
In the past few weeks, life has changed drastically for much of the world. During this time of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to focus on daily gratitude in your life, meet challenges head on, harness the strength to rise above them and find inner peace. Use these tools to start making positive impacts in your life today and every day.
Begin Your Day with Gratitude
Be comforted knowing that each day brings a fresh new start and infinite opportunities! Start your day reflecting on what you are thankful for in your life, no matter how small or big they may be in the moment. This practice will not only help centre your mind, but it will also give you a newfound appreciation for your life.
Make Meditation Part of Your Daily Routine
Taking time to quiet your mind can bring huge benefits to your entire body and positively impact your day. Just a few minutes of daily meditation can improve your mood, refocus your energy and give you an outlet to release stress.
For your meditation practice, sit in a space where you can be comfortable while you softly close your eyes. Calmly and silently repeat a short phrase or mantra to yourself as you focus your intention. Relax your muscles from head to toe by allowing any built up tension to leave your body. With each breath, invite positivity and gratitude into your being. Slowly repeat your mantra, and breathe deeply for 10 minutes as you find your inner peace.
Find Comfort on Your Mat
When life gets tough and throws you challenges, find comfort in your yoga practice. This is your sacred space to connect, recharge and empower yourself! Bring daily gratitude to your home practice with these asanas. Here are some yoga poses that might help:
When life gets tough and throws you challenges, find comfort in your yoga practice. This is your sacred space to connect, recharge and empower yourself! Bring gratitude to your home practice with these asanas. Here are some yoga poses that might help:
From Downward-Facing Dog, move your weight to your right hand as you roll onto the outside edge of your right foot. Step the sole of your left foot behind your right leg. Lift your hips high and bring your left hand to your heart centre. Open your chest to let gratitude flow through your body. When you are ready, repeat on the other side.
Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
Rise up onto your shins, making sure your hips are centered over your knees. Push forward through your hips as you begin to lift up and back through your heart centre. Softly close your eyes and enjoy a few rounds of deep breaths in this pose.
Lotus Pose (Padmasana)
Sit comfortably on the floor. Bend your right knee and hug it to your chest. Bring your right ankle to the crease of your left hip with the sole of your right foot turned towards the ceiling. Bend your left knee and cross your left ankle over the top of your right shin. The sole of your left foot should also be turned upwards while the top of your foot and ankle rest on your hip crease.
Take this time to invite love and joy into your heart. Conclude your practice by expressing inner gratitude for yourself and your practice.
Let these daily practices illuminate your life. Reflect on the positive, flow with a grateful heart and find the strength you need to continue to rise above.
By Jenny Baker, content marketing specialist at Asheville Yoga Centre (youryoga.com)
Wild Thing (Camatkarasana)
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
