From Carrie-Lynn Neales
It’s easy to be grateful when life is going your way. When you got the job, the promotion, the pair of shoes you’ve been eying. When the bus, the streetcar, the subway arrives as soon as you get to the platform. When the weather forecast miraculously turns from dreary to sunshiny over night and just in time for the big day. When your hair is doing that thing you love and those skinny jeans slipped on with ease. When everything seems to be glowing, shining, shimmering, and perfect, gratitude comes easily. But how do we find gratitude in the face of adversity – big or small? How do we find peace and stillness in chaos and mania? When nothing seems to be going our way? When it feels uphill both ways and as though there’s a persistent and oppressive head-wind…always? When that dark cloud just.won’t.blow over.
It’s so easy (and often tempting) in times like this to allow what appears to be negative to swallow you up in its seemingly inviting arms and cocoon you in its darkness. However, we know from experience that this cocoon can create anxiety, or make you question your practice, your choices, your existence. If I am able to offer any advice as a yogi, a fatalist, and a dreamer I will say ‘practice’. Always practice. Practice yoga, practice smiling, practice breathing, speaking kind words, laughing out loud. Practice, and practice some more. It’s like riding a bike; you’ve got the skills and it does come back with a little … yup, practice. So practice gratitude out loud and in your unique way in times of abundance. By showing gratitude when it’s easy it becomes apart of our daily lives and slowly we work the muscle of finding gratitude when times are tough. Make the effort to see the best in people, circumstances, and even in those dark clouds. Remind yourself that you are alive even when you think “this can’t possibly be living”. Gratitude doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be as simple as saying “thank you” and meaning it. It doesn’t have to cost money, or take all day, or be creative or inventive. All it has to be is genuine. Surrounding yourself with people who practice gratitude daily is an excellent way to work that muscle.
I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with these very people on the front lines at889. Emily, Christine and the entire 889 team is committed to showing gratitude in every way, every day. It has made this practice such an integral part of my life and I see the effects first hand in our members and guests. Here’s an exciting fact about gratitude: it’s contagious! When it’s genuine, it’s as contagious as the common cold. It’s catching and its side effects are certainly more desirable than those of that dreaded cold!
So practice it, share it, spread it, LIVE it. And whenever you need a little boost in the gratitude bank account stop by the concierge desk. We’ve got tons to give and we’re more than happy to hand it out!
From the very bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for your smile, your energy, your practice.
Be the best you can be and all will be well.
Namaste
