Carrying the Energy of Thanksgiving All Year Long
Thanksgiving is literally knocking on the door — and just like that, it comes and goes. One day we’re gathered around the table, surrounded by food, family, and that warm feeling of connection… and the next day, all that’s left are the leftovers and maybe a slice (or two) of pumpkin pie.
But what if we didn’t let the spirit of Thanksgiving fade so quickly?
What if that feeling of gratitude — the one that fills your heart as you look around the table and think, “Wow, I’m lucky to have all of this” — could stay with you, guiding your days long after the holiday is over?
Gratitude as a Daily Practice
Gratitude doesn’t have to be seasonal. In yoga, gratitude is a mindset we can return to again and again. It’s part of how we practice presence — noticing the good that’s already here, even in the middle of chaos, challenges, or just another busy Tuesday.
When we move through our yoga practice, we’re reminded that every breath is a gift. Every pose, even the wobbly ones, teaches us something about ourselves. We learn to appreciate the small victories: the release of tension, the softening of the breath, the quiet moment at the end of class when the world feels just a little bit lighter.
That’s gratitude in motion.
Taking Gratitude Off the Mat
The beautiful thing about practicing gratitude on the mat is that it doesn’t stay there — it begins to show up in your life off the mat too.
You start to notice more of what’s working instead of what’s not. You begin to appreciate the people, the opportunities, and even the challenges that shape your journey.
Living from a place of thankfulness changes everything. It shifts your perspective from “what’s missing” to “what’s here.” It helps you find joy in the little things — your morning coffee, the sound of laughter, a quiet moment of peace before bed.
How to Keep the Thanksgiving Spirit Alive Year-Round
As Thanksgiving comes and goes, try carrying a bit of that energy with you into the days that follow. Let gratitude become part of your yoga practice — not just something you think about once a year, but something you feel in your bones, every single day.
Because when you live from gratitude, you don’t have to wait for a holiday to feel thankful. You create your own moments of joy and presence, one breath at a time.
3 Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude Through Yoga
1. Begin with intention.
At the start of your yoga practice, take a quiet moment to name one thing you’re grateful for — your breath, your body, your strength, or simply the chance to move. Let that intention guide every pose.
2. Notice the small things.
Gratitude grows in awareness. As you move, notice the rhythm of your breath, the way your body supports you, or the calm that arrives in stillness. These tiny moments are powerful reminders of abundance.
3. End with appreciation.
In Savasana or meditation, silently say thank you — to yourself, your body, or the present moment. It’s a simple act, but it builds a habit of appreciation that follows you off the mat.