Sisters Marie: 3 Ways to Express Gratitude

Ever since my first (favorable) yoga experience this past summer, I have been practicing on a regular basis. My girlfriend Amy is a certified teacher so one summer night, she came over and taught our core group of ladies a few basic moves in the backyard...we loved it so much that we've been doing "yoga at home" every Monday which is not only a great way for us to ask questions and try different poses on our own time, but it's also given us so much more time together. It may sound cliche, but everything they say about yoga is true...Not only do I feel more calm while practicing, but it has also taught me how to feel more consistently grateful...not every day is great, but there is something great in every day and I am so lucky to have these ladies in my life who share a similar passion.

I started thinking about gratitude and how the idea of it is intentional. Amy told us she wanted to create a "gratitude jar" at home which would serve as a place for her and her husband to share something they're thankful for whenever the moment arises. With the holidays upon us, I wanted to share the idea of choosing happiness and reminding ourselves to be thankful for everything so here are a few ways you can incorporate these practices...

Express Gratitude with a Penny

Every time you see a penny, take a moment and acknowledge something or someone you are grateful for and place the penny in the jar. Although the penny is the lowest form of currency, it is representative of the simple things we have to be grateful for in our daily lives, even a penny. When the jar is filled, you can empty its contents and donate the money to a charity that's important to you.

Gratitude through Poses

Never skip Savasana. Nothing gives me time to reflect like a nice, long "let it go" pose after an intense yoga session. All the gratitude practices in the world can’t match the experience that comes when tired muscles finally melt into the floor (especially if it's combined with a lavender/peppermint cool towel...I swear, this is the BEST part of Yoga By Degrees) ;)

Journaling Gratitude

If you write one thing you're thankful for every day and look back even just two months later, you might not look at your life the same way. When you're at the grocery store and the person in front of you lets you go first because you have a short order, you might think how respectful that was but will you remember it days or weeks later? Mate note of the little things...they make the most difference.