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Every month we will choose a word or phrase to help focus energy more specifically in our classes and daily life. This month's focus is gratitude.
How often do you get that warm and friendly feeling of thankfulness that lies in the depths of your heart center?
Many say gratitude is the noblest of virtues. As words are limited it is difficult to actually describe what gratitude is and also hard to express gratitude to others verbally. It is much more than a verbal expression of thanks, it is looking upon a benefactor with reverence and love. It is a sense of appreciation for favors received, whether there is a return favor or not is no matter, only the desire to see others prosperous and happy. Being mindful of gratitude one will find a deeper connection to life and open themselves to the larger picture in which your personal story unfolds. Releasing drama through gratitude will provide a feeling of liberation. If gratitude lies inside your heart, sweetness will be the essence of your character. Peer deep into ones eyes and you will see if someone is grateful...
A deep sense of gratitude is one of the many gifts I have received since the conception of Shine On Yoga. I have always been a very grateful person, but during this journey I've taken this virtue to a whole new level. I cannot possibly explain the amount of love, adoration and gratitude that I feel for God and so many people in the OurLando community.
As I said above it is difficult to express true gratitude through words, but I'm going to give it a whirl anyways. I would like to thank all of the individuals that have helped bring this yoga studio to fruition, including but certainly not limited to Evan Jones-my amazing contractor who has a heart of gold, Linda Walker-my first yoga teacher to whom I am ever-grateful, Candice Mitchell-a wonderful teacher and friend, all of the women in my heart circle-you give me strength, courage and true love, Julie Norris (Dandelion Communitea)-no words can express how truly grateful I am to have you as a friend and soul-sister, Andrew Haller-my color n' web genius, Simply Well (Allison & Dominick D'Anna)-if it wasn't for their graciousness Shine On Yoga might still be a thought in my head, mom and dad for your steadfast support in everything that I do, my brother Daniel for flying down to help with last minute details, all of my yoga students who inspire and encourage me as a teacher, last but certainly not least my beautiful husband Henry-the support and strength I receive from you is indescribable - your loving kindness inspires me to be a better person. Thank you!
Now it's your turn! Over the next month, I would like to challenge you to take 5 minutes out of each day to sit quietly, focusing on one thing you are grateful for. As you do this, try to bring your awareness to your heart center. Explore gratitude by totally immersing yourself in the feelings that come up as your focus becomes greater.
Visualize a beautiful flower swaying in the breeze, see the petals opening one by one until at last the heart of the flower shines forth, now slowly bend forward, opening your heart and soul, and smell its essence. mmmm...Feel gratitude for this amazing gift from the heavens.