Thanksgiving - a time to prepare for the seasons changing, a time to gather around your family and friends, a time to overindulge, rest, and relax. Oh, and give thanks.

Giving thanks as a ritual is part of nearly every culture and tradition on earth, and yet it is only truly examined by a few. But studies show that being grateful can improve your physical health, as well as your sense of well-being. In yoga gratitude meditation is a critical part of cultivating your personal practice. It relates to the eight limbs in many ways.  When we practice gratitude we are cultivating Bramacharya. We are recognizing the preciousness of life, and our own personal divinity. When we give thanks for even the obstacles and crises in our lives, we are meditating upon Isvarapranidhana, acknowledging that our path is our path, without creating expectations about the fruits of our journey. Sometimes the most difficult situations in our life lead to the greatest growth. Flowers grow quite nicely if you add a steaming pile of shit!

This thanksgiving, you may wish to take a few moments to practice gratitude in your own way. Create your own ritual, or try one of the practices from this excellent list on Zen Habits.

For the record I would like to state how grateful I am every day for my wonderful family; the Pranababes; and the good fortune that I have to be able to practice and share and cultivate a life full of yoga.

Namaste, and have a safe and happy long weekend!