Hey yogis!
November. The month of an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE. It is easy to enter this month with gratitude on the mind. Thanksgiving is 3 weeks away…… We will be using the following weeks for the Lotus House of Yoga tribe to express their gratitude. I want to know what you are grateful for too, but even more so, how can you apply that thankfulness into your life? How can these thoughts turn into actions and turn into habits? Maybe those thoughts can turn into smiles to share with a stranger. Instead of joining in to complain with friends (it feels good sometimes, I know), switch the subject. You will notice the surprise on their face when they realize the waste of complaining. In your yoga practice, take time to give thanks that you have feet to walk to your mat, arms to support your chaturanga, and breath that moves freely through your body. Most importantly, gratitude towards the self, for your choice to practice yoga at all. The benefits you share with your mind, body, breath, family, friends, community and globe, reach far further than our own understanding.
So lets make this attitude of gratitude our actions, our habits, and our reality. Then we are an example of grace, compassion and love. And by the way, 5 things I am grateful for this month:
1. Family! (duh) I am very into my family. I LOVE family reunions so much that I would probably (and maybe have) go to a family reunion that was not my own. I absolutely LOVE hanging out with my grandparents. They are some of my best friends in the world. I could listen to their stories, jokes, and ideas for hours. Even though my parents don’t live around here, I am so grateful for them. I love parents so much that I have 6 of them. Yep that’s counting you Mother and Father in law!!! I take all of their advice, encouragement, and unconditional love to heart. They are such incredible examples of how I want to be as a parent. I am so GRATEFUL for all the energy they spent helping me become the girl I am today. This shout out goes to my sisters!!!!! Chloe and Cecily. My partners in crime, mischief, fashion, and fun. I give so much thanks for their love and friendship and allowing me to boss them around (to a tolerable extent) for 27 years. Maybe you’ve heard me say, “she/he is one of my best friends”… one hundred or so times. That is because I consider all of the people that I share my heart with a best friend. A member of my family really. So I AM GRATEFUL for my net of support, my tribe, my loves, MY FAMILY!
2. My better half. My husband. He is such a rock star. (Seriously he is.) He puts up and deals with my outlandish ideas and plans. He makes me laugh and smile. Did you know that from the moment I saw him, I knew I would marry him? Yes, it was love at first sight. The thing I am most thankful for in him is that he never allows me to be less then my best. He challenges me all the time to drive past my potential into the stars. Thanks honey! (And thanks for doing the dishes!)
3. The other day, Tallulah and I went to the library for the first time since May! I watched her do a few puzzles in seconds flat. Puzzles that, the last time took her several minutes. She also did the puzzles with patience and calm, where last time she got frustrated. She was so pleased with herself, it was a true moment of self satisfaction. I hope that she can continue to go inside for things that create happiness instead of things external. I am so grateful I get to watch this little angel grow up.
4. I am grateful for the thriving Omaha yoga community. Kula means community of the heart, in Sanskrit, and that is absolutely what Omaha is. After all, we are the HEARTLAND. As if our friends and neighbors could get any better, now we are all practicing yoga! We are connecting in to our centers, balancing our lives and becoming a beautiful pulse of Nebraska. Let’s keep it growing! Reach out to your neighbors, family, and friends, invite them to practice with you. Were you a little nervous your first time? That is where they stand now. And if they tell you they are not flexible enough, let them know you do not need a flexible bod, just a flexible mind! You know how good you feel when leaving class? How you let other drivers cut in front of you because it really does not matter? Let EVERYONE feel the love! Lets build this already ROCKING Omaha KULA!!!
5. Local businesses in Omaha. I am proud and happy to support other folks just like me who started their own business and work DAY AND NIGHT to keep the machine running. I am learning the ins and outs of owning a small, local business, and one thing I have learned is it takes a total undying love for your business. Pledging all your waking hours to your passion is a huge responsibility and it is one that I am grateful to take on. I am grateful that in Omaha we have access to fabulous local restaurants, boutiques, hair salons, grocery stores, and vacuum cleaner stores. 
So when you have a choice, CHOOSE LOCAL!
Namaste my family! Have a beautiful day and see you at Lotus House of Yoga!
mc
