Gratitude: The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for & to return kindness.  Yoga brings about gratitude for your body & all it can do.  They enhance & enrich each other in so many ways.

Mindful Presence: Both emphasize the importance of being present in the moment.  This is achieved in yoga through mindful awareness of your breath, body & sensations.  Gratitude encourages you to be present by focusing on the positive parts of your life & acknowledging the gifts & blessings that surround you.

Cultivating Awareness: Yoga offers self awareness & self reflection.  The more you practice the more you become aware of the sensations in your body, your thoughts & your emotions.  This heightened awareness can go on in to the rest of your day – making you more aware of the positive things around you, which fosters gratitude.

Acceptance & Contentment: Yoga teaches you the importance of accepting yourself & your current circumstances.  Gratitude goes along with this by helping you find contentment with what you have & where you are in life, instead of constantly wanting more or something different.

Heart Opening Poses: Many yoga poses open the heart & chest area.  This can lead to an increased sense of openness & vulnerability.  The physical experience can be mirrored emotionally so it’s easier to open up to feelings of love & gratitude.

Breath Awareness: The central element of yoga is breath.  By focusing on your breathit helps to calm the mind & bring you to the current moment.  Gratitude can be practiced with every breath, with each inhale & exhale, to express thanks.

Balancing & Centering: Balance is a big part of yoga.  While working on physical balance, it can bring a sense of mental & emotional balance.  Gratitude is a balancing act that counteracts negative emotions, stress & anxiety

Self Compassion: A big part of yoga is self compassion & self care.  Gratitude encourages you to be kind to yourself & others, appreciate efforts & qualities. 

Reducing Stress: Yoga is well knows for its stress reducing benefits.  Practicing gratitude has been shown to reduce stress as well.  Combine them & you’ve got a powerful tool for stress & anxiety.

Positive Affirmations: Positive affirmations are a part of a yoga practice & can be brought into your daily life.  This positive mindset reinforcement can help with your mindset & helps you stay focused on the good in your life.

Integration into Daily Life: Both yoga & gratitude practices can be brought off your mat & into your daily life.  Gratitude can be used to help you remain present, positive & handle all that’s thrown your way.

Yoga encourages mindfulness, self acceptance & balance which is where gratitude can begin.  Gratitude enhances the benefits of yoga by promoting a positive mindset, emotional well being & a deeper sense of contentment.  Put the two together & you have the ingredients to lead a life with more contentment & fulfillment.  If you’d like some help with your gratitude practice, check out the Gratitude Journal here.

May you always stay true in your intentions, true to your hearts desires & speak loving truth to those around you.

Love ya!