Giving. Thanks.

Pandemic

What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath —
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.

And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.

Promise this world your love —
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.

—Lynn Ungar

This poem first came out last March and I thought—as we head into a holiday season—it was worth revisiting. 8 months in, we are feeling fatigue of every sort: mental and emotional, compassion fatigue and maybe even gratitude fatigue. So why gratitude now? Why is it important to make a practice of gratitude? I'm a little wary of the "g word" even in the best of times. It can feel prescriptive. But gratitude, like yoga, like meditation, like any of the daily rituals we commit to in the interest of health and well being and being a better, happier human, is a practice. Which means it takes practice. We experience gratitude when we shift our focus from what we don’t have to what we do, and when we take time to appreciate and be thankful for those who have contributed to the abundance in our lives. People who have regular gratitude practices are healthier, happier, and have better relationships.

While it may not address the root cause, gratitude can help balance us out. When we express gratitude, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin — two hormones that make us feel lighter and happier inside. If we want to take care of our minds during this pandemic, understanding how to trigger this feeling is crucial. 

The practice of gratitude, like that of yoga or meditation or other self care rituals, reinforces itself through repetition. 
How do we trigger gratitude in ourselves? It’s simple. We take time to shift our focus. 

If you feel stuck, give yourself a few prompts:

What have I gotten to learn recently that has helped me grow?
What opportunities do I currently have that I am grateful for?
What physical abilities do I have but take for granted?
What did I see today or over the last month that was beautiful?
Who at work am I happy to see each day and why?
Who is a person that I don’t speak to often, but, if I lost them tomorrow, it would be devastating? (Take this as a cue to reach out today!)
What am I better at today than I was a year ago?
What material object do I use every day that I am thankful for having?
What has someone done for me recently that I am grateful for?
What are the three things I am grateful for right now?
(List courtesy of Chrisopher Littlefield)

By taking time to write down our answers, we consciously redirect our attention to that which we are grateful for. It’s also a great way to look back and realize what we may have thought of as insignificant was actually what brought us joy.

My own gratitude list, in no particular order:

Thank you to my family. Because Love.
Thank you to the UVY instructors. We wouldn't be UVY without you.
Thank you to all of you reading this newsletter and taking livestream classes
Thank you, for all of you who are subscribing to YOGA NOW
Thank you to my little dog who runs and hikes with me, and keeps me moving outside
thank you to my friends (because Love.)
Thank you to the doctors who continue to work, and all the people in hospitals and clinics that continue to work 
Thank you to the schools and educators that continue to think creatively, and educate young people despite the challenges
Thank you to the cashiers, shelf stockers, grocery cart returners
Thank you to the dentists, dental hygienists, hair stylists. 

I really don't sense a natural stopping point for this list, so I'll stop here with one final thank you: 

Thank you to the woman I met last week on the dam road. We stayed on our separate sides. You put your mask up. Then, you turned to me and said "Hi. I'm smiling at you. Beneath the mask." It made me laugh and smile too, and lifted my spirits on a day when they had fallen clear down to my socks.

Thank you.