Fall is in the air, Thanksgiving around the corner, and people can't help but be thankful. Everyone is starting to express their gratitude for what the season brings. What is gratitude?

Psychology Today defines it as follows:

 "Gratitude is the expression of appreciation for what one has. It is a recognition of value independent of monetary worth."
It answers the following questions:

Is gratitude an emotion? 
Gratitude is an emotion, one that makes a person feel happier. Gratefulness is also a mood as well as a personality trait. Some people are just more inclined to feel grateful as a daily habit.

Is gratitude a feeling? 
Gratitude is both a temporary feeling and a dispositional trait. In both cases, gratitude involves a process of recognizing, first, that one has obtained a positive outcome and, second, that there is an external source for that good outcome.

The practice of gratitude has been proven to increase one's well-being. Although the cooler and cozier time of the year can inspire feelings of gratefulness, gratitude can be practiced year-round.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• write a thank you note to a friend
• each day jot down 3 -5 things in your life you are thankful for
• smile at others

It doesn't matter how you practice gratitude, by doing so it can help you get out of your head. It can give you a new perspective by reminding you of the good things in your life. And it will focus your attention on someone else's well-being.
Being in a constant state of gratitude can be challenging. You can try to cultivate it by practicing yoga. Below I have listed a Gratitude Yoga sequence. The next time you are on your mat give these gratitude inspiring poses a try. For best results hold each pose for 5 - 10 breaths (if it's available to you).

This holiday season I have a lot to be thankful for! I want to thank you all for your continuous support. I am looking forward to new opportunities in 2022. I want to wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season.

May your hearts be open, receiving only what is good, and may you be full of gratitude!

Thank you,
Oma

Read the full article here:
Gratitude | Psychology Today
​

Giving back to the community is one of my favorite things. I recently had the opportunity to do so at the Care + Share Expo. 
I was able to do Chair Yoga demos, story time and Yoga for children, Aromatherapy and  Mindfulness.
It was such a well planned and executed event. The city of Surprise created a space to connect with the community to educate about available services.
On a personal level, it was very meaningful to be part of this event, being able to share the benefits of Yoga. 
I hope that all Expo visitors enjoyed themselves as much as I did!

Stay connected,
Oma