Posts In: Thanksgiving

guest post by Karen Beers

The power of gratitude is remarkable. When we take time to slow down and mindfully recognize the abundance in our lives, we create a positive inner shift that extends far beyond ourselves. 

1. Start the day with gratitude by acknowledging that we are given a priceless gift – to be alive right now. Each day, we wake up with new possibilities and opportunities to learn and grow. Each day, we are gifted time and the pure potentiality of how the hours can be utilized.

2. Feel gratitude for yourself, your body, your physical abilities, and talents. There are countless lessons to be gained from acknowledging what a gift it is to move and breathe. It’s important to appreciate your individual limitations, too. Gratitude can help you slow down and acknowledge the countless skills you have to share with the world. You are an integral part of the community and what you offer is incredibly valuable.

3. Express gratitude and appreciation for community. Family, friends, neighbors, and those connections near and far are integral support systems. These people are there to help us show up and be the best version of ourselves. Our community lifts us up so that we can share our strengths and abilities, and these people also help us to ground and center ourselves when we feel fractured or unsettled. 

4. Expand your awareness of gratitude to all of nature. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful world. By simply stepping outside and looking around, we provide ourselves space to receive many therapeutic qualities that enhance our well-being. Take time to acknowledge the natural beauty of the world and receive the benefits it provides to us.

Many blessings tend to go unnoticed when we are distracted by our daily tasks and obligations. By making space in each day to practice gratitude; we find an abundance within and around us. As Albert Einstein so wisely said, “There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” 

by Laura McCorry

guest post by Missy DiDonato

During this month of November, we’re reminded to give thanks. I count myself lucky that I’m grateful for my family, friends, my body and breath. These things are so important, but also obvious in a way.

I was taught to look for the good in everything. This year, I’m trying to find the positives in the unpleasant and downright annoying experiences of life. Here’s my top three unexpected situations I’m grateful for this season:

TRAFFIC: The sound of the word alone probably sparks an ugly feeling inside you, as it does me. Like many other San Diegans, I drive a lot, so being stuck in traffic happens often. I use traffic and driving in general to practice patience and compassion. I’ve come to the realization that no one wants to be in traffic – we all have destinations and other places we’d rather be. So instead of complaining and yelling (which is my first instinct) I simply put on some mood music and try to enjoy just being. I am grateful for the time to relax and listen to good music.

JERKS ON YELP: We recently got a yelp review that rocked my world! The guy was a pretentious asshole who didn’t have any traction for his opinion of the teacher whose class he almost attended. My first response was to be defensive, angry and sad. After I calmed down, I asked myself why a rude comment on the internet upset me so much. I realized it was because I have created a life filled with people who are supportive and non-judgmental. I am grateful for my family, friends and colleagues who show me their love on a daily basis.

DIVORCE: Now this one is pretty unique to my experience. Divorce may have had a different impact on your life. The divorce in my life happened to both of my parents before I was born. They were both married and divorced before they met each other, so I wouldn’t be here without it! They both had children with their previous partners, which helped create the large family that I have today. I embraced their exes as parents, so I got double the love. My second mom has taken me around the world which has been a huge influence on who I am today. My dad’s ex-wife remarried a man who was also divorced and had two sons whom I now consider my brothers. We are lucky because there is a mutual respect for all the ex and current spouses. As hard as it can be for families to separate and recombine, I am grateful for divorce because it has given me the loving family that I have today.

Missy DiDonato
Guest Writer

Missy began practicing yoga at home when she was fourteen, following along to a DVD in her living room. She has since completed two separate 200 hour Yoga Teacher Trainings with UCSD and Yoga One. Missy loves helping others find their own yogic path and students of all levels appreciate her warm and friendly teaching style.

by Olivia Cecchettini

“The Book of Awakening:  Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have”

by Mark Nepo

Summary: Mark Nepo is a writer, poet, and spiritual pioneer of our time. In The Book of Awakening, he shares insight from his own journey after being diagnosed with cancer and provides daily inspiration for being present to and grateful for the life you have. This book is a daily ritual that has given me direction in times of struggle, grounded me in times of flight and brings me joy everyday. I believe that only by staying connected to our spirits and to the things that truly matter can we begin to live the lives we have always wanted. It takes less than 5 minutes a day to read a small section and this book can make a lasting impact on your life.

Why I love It: I love this book because it speaks to my soul. That is my true answer. My hope is that it touches you in some way as well. I read it (almost) every morning, and I’m not a morning person! Having something real and grounding that I connect with to engage my mind and heart first thing is so important to me.

Recommended For: Everyone. What I’m realizing as I type this is that what’s most important here is the ritual. Yes, this book does it for me (and I really hope you check it out!) but more importantly, I want you to find something YOU connect with. Make time to check in with your guide and with yourself as often as possible. Maybe everyday, maybe not, pick it up when you need it and it will speak to you. Xo, Ciao!

“A year’s supply of inspiration every day and the perfect gift for your friends.” – Oprah Winfrey “Mark Nepo has written a beautiful book about life, informed by the shadows of death.” – Marianne Williamson

Olivia Cecchettini
Contributing Writer

Olivia is a yoga teacher based out of San Diego. With a love for people, life, spirituality, reading, and, of course, yoga she spends her days connecting with students and nature. Getting outside whenever she can to enjoy all the beauty this life has to offer.

We hope you have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday! Please join us at the studio for an All Levels Flow Class:

Thursday, November 28th at 10am

and

Friday, November 29th at 10am

From all of us at Yoga One, NAMASTE!

guest post by Amy Freeman
It’s easy to be grateful when everything is going our way, but what about when it’s not? How do we shift our focus from burdens, misfortunes and challenges to the abundance that already exists?

A few months ago, I was the victim of burglary. Someone broke into our house and stole most of our valuables and a few irreplaceable family heirlooms. Fortunately, none of my family was home at the time. Even though I tried to console myself with the thought that things are not as valuable as people, I still mourned the loss of our sentimental items. More than that, my home, my sanctuary felt violated. I spent the next several months feeling anxious, helpless and fearful.

A Thanksgiving Exercise in Gratitude: