Making Time to Give Thanks

Yogic Insights – Making Time to Give Thanks

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

How often do we talk to an acquaintance or friend, who says: “I wish I had time for Yoga.”? We have all heard plenty of creative excuses to avoid Yoga practice, meditation, and taking care of one’s health. Maybe you wish there was a way to get through to people who never seem to run out of excuses.

Unless someone wants to take care of him or herself, it does not matter what we do or say. We can talk until we run out of air, and it will have no effect on the person who refuses to take action toward good health.

Yet, there is one matter for every Yoga teacher and practitioner to be thankful for. Each of us should be thankful that we have received the “God given” intelligence to recognize that we have the power within to make changes for the best. Through Yoga practice, we can see the value in giving thanks every day of our lives.

Many people claim to be so busy that they have no time for thanks, manners, or courtesy. Some of us save it all up for the holidays. What are holidays for? To some people, holidays were made to make up for an unthankful lifestyle.

When we study Karma Yoga, we must realize that thanks giving is part of daily life. Why avoid giving thanks to God and your loved ones until the holidays? To take this a bit further: Why avoid courtesy to those we meet 364 days a year?

Granted, charities realize that many people give monetary donations only once per year, so they gear themselves to go after the holiday donations. With all this being said, some of us reserve kindness to avoid appearing weak. It is a sad state of affairs, when one cannot thank another for an act of courtesy.

Yet, it must be asked: “What is the source of our lack of time to give thanks?” Are we really that busy? Yes, we are busy, but so were past generations, who worked physically at their jobs all year long. The difference is making the time for daily tradition and rituals.

Each morning and evening, we should give thanks to those around us. We should also give daily thanks to our creator for our chance to make a difference in this life. After all, life is a gift and we should be extremely thankful for it.