Thanksgiving Reflection
Practice Off The Mat
Vol. 1 Issue 17
The other night during a donation class at the Sea Change Yoga offices, my friend Katie Beane reminded us that holding gratitude is a powerful way to anchor ourselves against the strong currents of difficulty and struggle. And, importantly, that they both exist together.
We can’t bypass the things in our lives or the world that can be difficult or sad or tragic or terrible. At the same time, we can’t dwell only on those things either.
We can acknowledge the very real difficulties, challenges, and circumstances that fall under the list of “Even though <fill in something difficult here>”
At the same we need to hold space and recognize the other side of the coin! We need to build the complimentary list - “I am grateful for <fill in something that you are thankful for>”.
When taken together it sounds like: “Even though <something difficult> I am grateful for <this wonderful thing>”
The gratitude practice offers a path to draw strength, endurance, fire, and resilience to wade through the challenges, heartache, and struggle.
FROM YOUR GRACE YOU CAN FIND YOUR GRIT.
During this class we wrote down one tough item under “Even Though…”. And three things from the “I'm Grateful For…” that we were grateful for. The last thing that I wrote was
“The depth and breadth of love and support I received during one of the hardest years I’ve ever had.”
I was drawn to all the people who showed up and helped me this year. I’ve needed a lot this year. And even when I didn’t know what to ask for or how to ask for it – the help still showed u. From all directions: Noreen my foundation for 20+ years. My family. My inner circle. My coaches. My mentors in my day job. My mentors in my teaching. My therapist. My cats. The amazing people I’ve come to know around Biddeford.
And the students I've met along the way.
A question that has come up more than once this year: “what the f**k am I even doing? Why the hell am I still trying to do this when its so obviously not working?” as I’ve more than once contemplated hanging up the yoga mat and shutting it down.
But whenever I got real about the question, an answer would appear.
Someone would share their story of how the practice helps them. The right words would arrive via text message or phone call or email or on a walk on the Eastern Trail or chatting over coffee and a bagel or while lugging kettle bells around the track or that perfectly timed hug when I desperately needed it. Through their love:
I am reminded that these practices matter.
That accessibility matters.
That every single person matters.
That you matter.
The reality is that I don’t know what the future holds for me or for Mettā. But I find great joy and comfort in those people who have helped me in all the ways. I am inspired to use the grace of their spirit to help me find the grit to keep believing in the mission, and the faith that it will work out.
And for that I am most thankful.