Why is gratitude so powerful?
“KC…let’s do this,” says my Dad. I’m sitting in my parents living room, with my Dad across from me. I’ve returned to live at home after moving away for college. He’s been politely suggesting career paths these past few months, while I’ve been spending all my time at the yoga studio and working at the local health food store. It’s 2003 and I have a dream of being a massage therapist and yoga teacher.
The “this” my Dad is referring to, is going to massage school and yoga teacher training. The “let’s” is us: myself and my Dad. He’s an architecture professor, a business owner, a teacher and mentor. Although he had just helped me attend college, he looked at me and encouraged me to go on a new path. He made it clear, I wouldn’t be doing this alone, I always have his confidence and his excitement backing me up.
My Dad may have passed from this world—but I still feel his presence. When I think of him, I smile. I think of how grateful I am that he supported me in creating my own career. It was his sensibility, compassionate determination, and even his laughter that gave me faith in myself.
Gratitude creates a way of moving from lack into abundance. Even though my Dad passed away over a decade ago, I still have times of grief. When I shift into a sense of appreciation of our relationship—it helps me not be overwhelmed by sadness and instead go forward to do new things in my life and career.
Who are you grateful for? Do you have a friend, family member, or teacher that inspired you to be the person that you are? How does gratitude feel in your body?
I like to take these last few months of the year to focus on gratitude. It’s a way to give back to the people that have shared so much with me. It’s also a reminder during this “season of giving” that the best gifts do not need to be purchased. Acknowledgement, love, and recognition can be the most important gift we give each other.
Would you like to explore the theme of gratitude with me? I’m offering a workshop: Gratitude Yoga Hike at Woolman in Nevada City on November 5th 10 am to noon to explore this topic. This is a low impact hike for all levels and gentle yoga class to open to all the blessings of life!