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Attitude of Gratitude

My back begins to readjust as my feet are flat up against the wall.  I begin to breathe deeply and slowly as I listen to her calming voice.  One of the best things that I have learned from my yoga teacher is to approach each day with an attitude of gratitude.  Every class, she starts us off with time to pause, reflect, and name all that we are thankful for.  I hear other "yogis" recite their grateful words or phrases.  Doing just that takes the focus off of self and seems to energize me for the poses that we do.  I come away from class invigorated.

But I have discovered that really is the best attitude to have even when I'm not at class.  Contentment comes from gratefulness.  For me, gratefulness is combined with praise to God for all He is and has done for me.  I naturally have a tendency to be an ideal realist. I hope for the best, but endure the reality.  It is what it is . . .  However, as I put up with whatever comes my way, my joy can easily be robbed from me by those uncontrollable circumstances.  So out of my darker days, I found that practicing praise and thankfulness can restore joy and hope.  By doing just that, I am building an attitude of gratitude.  

Maybe, that it why she has such a Mona Lisa smile.  The portrait captures joy and satisfaction that only comes from within the heart.  Her eyes want to tell you why, but you only have her face to offer explanation.  But I bet it all began for her by simply having an attitude of gratitude . . . 

"Remember the word to Thy servant, in which Thou hast made me hope.  This is my comfort in my affliction, That Thy word has revived me."
Psalm 119: 49-50 


Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 28, 2012 at 2:08 AM

    You have some interesting art displayed on your blogs...you do then yourself?

    ReplyDelete

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