Happy February. Happy Valentines Day.
January is always a great time to take on new projects. 2011 began with the development of turning our current web page into a full fledged website. The last several weeks have been filled with writing, organizing, and photo taking. It has been very time consuming yet very exciting. With the bulk of the work complete, I am now back on my weekly blog posting schedule. We are looking forward to unveiling the Dharma Yoga Nantucket website in April.
Going through this process has filled me with gratitude.
You can PRACTICE living in a state of gratitude everyday. At every turn we have that choice. It is easy to focus on what we don’t have instead of being grateful for what we do have. The next time the thoughts in your head start to take a turn, take a deep breath and ask yourself: What am I grateful for? By refocusing your energy and taking a moment to make a mental list, you will be amazed at how those thoughts of gratitude can change your mood and your outlook. Take a moment to write down three things that you are grateful for and carry it with you in your pocket. Having a tough day? Take it out and read it. This idea is hardly anything new, Oprah has been talking about the importance of gratitude for the last 25 years. And well before Oprah, this concept is discussed in the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali as pratipaksha bhavana. Translated it means: “When disturbed by negative thoughts, opposite (positive) ones should be thought of.” The next time you feel overwhelmed remember that your thoughts have great influence on your outlook, think good thoughts.
Valentines Day is a perfect opportunity to take stock of all there is to be grateful for. Some may call it a Hallmark Holiday, but who could argue with a holiday that is all about the celebration of love? I was scanning the latest Valentine cards last week when I realized all the forms of love that were being celebrated. To Sweethearts, Moms and Dads, Grandparents, nieces and nephews, sisters, friends, even dogs and cats! Celebrate this holiday by letting those you love know how grateful you are to have them in your life.
Thank You, Husband. Thanks Mom. Thank You, sisters. Thank You, friends.
Thank You students, you inspire me.
Click on the link below for my Valentine to you.
You can watch it here:
http://vimeo.com/9820752