Cultivating Gratitude: A Daily practice Lesson Plan

Showing gratitude and appreciation in our lives is associated with numerous benefits including

improved physical and mental health and increased connection and empathy in relationships.

Your family yoga time can be a wonderful way to introduce the practice of showing gratitude

through asana and meditation.

These simple postures can be practiced by children of all ages as we give thanks. Begin sitting

and hug knees into chest, giving yourself a tight squeeze as you give thanks to yourself. Moving

into a wide legged seat, join hands and alternate folding forward and helping each other stretch,

giving thanks for the support of others. Coming up to standing, move through a sun salutation

giving thanks to the sun. Incorporate other elements of thankfulness to your flow, perhaps

showing gratitude towards a family pet as you move through downward dog, or adding in poses

to show gratitude, such as tree pose as we give thanks to the trees. End your flow returning to

the earth in child’s pose, and filled with gratitude.

One of my favorite meditations on gratitude is a wonderful way to connect as a family. I like to

begin this meditation by passing out small polished stone or crystals. When the stone is first

held it is cold to the touch, hold the stone close as you sit comfortably. Each person shares

something they are thankful for with the group, a comfortable silence will follow. I encourage

the children to close their eyes and reflect on everything we feel gratitude for, we notice how

these thoughts warm us up inside, much like the stone is warming up in our hands as we

meditate.

As we enter our season of Thanksgiving may your practice of gratitude become a daily practice

to carry you throughout the year.

Namaste.