Thanksgiving can be a time of great joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of stress, anxiety, and sadness. If you're struggling to feel grateful this Thanksgiving, know that you're not alone. Many people find it difficult to feel gratitude during difficult times. So instead, let’s shift our focus toward grace.

What is grace and how does differ from gratitude?

Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation for the good things in our lives. It's something that we cultivate through practice. Grace, on the other hand, is a gift that we receive. It's something that is given, not something that is earned. All that grace requires is to be open to receive its gifts.

How can we use yoga to cultivate gratitude and grace?

Yoga is a practice that helps us to connect with our bodies, minds, and spirits. When we practice yoga, we focus on the present moment and on our breath. This helps us to appreciate the simple things in life, such as the ability to breathe and to move our bodies.

Yoga also teaches us to be kind and compassionate towards ourselves. We learn to accept our bodies as they are, and to let go of judgment and perfectionism. This self-acceptance creates a foundation for gratitude and grace.

In this week’s “Manage Stress with a Mindful Moment” video, I offer a simple 2-minute breath & movement practice that you can use to help you cultivate both gratitude and grace.

Another great way to connect to these 2 tender emotions? Join me every month for Gentle Beginnings Yoga. (Register here) Give yourself the gift of 60 minutes to stretch & breathe and unplug from the busyness of life.

Holding a spot just for you,

~ Rosemary