Exploring Themes of Gratitude and Opposites
In a recent conversation with a friend, the topic of service through yoga came up. In fact, we talked a lot about how yoga is not just a practice in body and breath. The aftereffects of being on the mat can extend far into the rest of your day – particularly when you’re mindful about it.
This is where we incorporate various themes. During this time of year there are two dynamic areas to explore: themes of opposites; such as light/dark, death/life, good/bad, etc. Themes of opposites can really be about anything. But as the fall season leads us into shorter days (darkness) and chilly weather, with browning leaves falling to the ground (death), we have an opportunity to explore these darker topics as we celebrate light and life.
The other area we see coming up is gratitude.
As we enter November, the month Thanksgiving, we also embark on the general holiday season. It’s a time of bustling activity and familiar routines, but it’s also a time of coming together with family and friends. As the year draws to a close we’re reminded of all that’s happened until this point. We take stock of our lives, families, careers and all manner of events. We’re reminded of celebrations and commiserations. We recall the good and bad. And when we gather for a Thanksgiving meal, we’re reminded of life’s blessings, great and small.
Spending time on the yoga mat is another opportunity to cultivate awareness of what we have and to express thanks. Our devotion need not be for big things or even obvious ones. In fact, it’s the small things that can matter in big ways. Perhaps you’re grateful for a soothing breath that brings relaxation and a calm mind. Or maybe send out a positive thought to someone in need. Gratitude can be expressed in terms of mantra as well. You could use a thought or one word to meditate on during practice. Let it be the thing that keeps you present while on your mat. Let it be the thing that carries through the rest of your day. Let it be the thing that resonates with you.
Expressing gratitude helps keep us connected to the world. It allows us to find the positive in every situation. It can deepen relationships and aid in maintaining a more positive outlook in life. Being happier and feeling less stress can improve your health. So many reasons to practice gratitude. And it’s simple to do.
Going back to themes of opposites; they’re a reminder of our day-to-day life. There can often be no true appreciation of the good without the bad as comparison. If you’ve felt low, you can be grateful when you’re happy. To better appreciate the sun, it helps to have gray skies and rain. And when celebrating the dual nature in people, there is frequently good and evil. Each person has elements of both. If there were only one quality present, it would make for a one-dimensional person. People are just not that way. Let’s honor who we are!.
So, when we step on the mat, we acknowledge both sides. When the true nature of yoga unfolds for us – when we’re ready to experience it – we see our true selves. Often, we’re seeing ways to find balance to feel better; to become better in our lives.
When you’re ready to join me, let’s dive together into these themes. If you have experiences you’d like to share, feel free to reach out. Until we meet again on the mat; Hari om, tat sat.
