Scripture
We are satisfied with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.
By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation.
Psalm 65:4b–5 NRSV
Spiritual Focus
“Paying attention to what we feel grateful for puts us in a positive frame of mind. It connects us to the world around us and to ourselves.” Elizabeth Gilbert
Devotion
This past weekend many of us experienced a slow, intentional movement from verbalized praise and thanksgiving, spoken words of grace around a table, to a quiet, unspoken profusion of gratitude. One Yogadevotion instructor acknowledged that this year she had simply rested in gratitude, feeling no compulsion to rush the Thanksgiving celebration. She had decided that, rather than putting up her Christmas tree as soon as the leftovers and dishes from the feast had been put away, she was going to wait, sit in gratitude, and enjoy this time, paying attention to the foci of her gratitude.
We enter a season that invites us into the story of the people of Israel. We join them in spirit during their protracted wait for the promised Savior. As people who have entered the story of the Christ Child, we wait in gratitude each year for the story to be retold. Basking in quiet gratitude is a great way to begin listening for the story of how God permeated human history, coming in human form to dwell among us in tangible realization of the long-awaited promise of Presence. Because of the story we approach our practice in gratitude for hope fulfilled.
Breath Prayer
Inhale I Am
Exhale Grateful
Focus Pose: Sukasana, or Easy Pose, is a pose from childhood: sitting crossed-legged on the floor. As adults we find Easy Pose to be a great hip opener, but it can also present challenges to knees and tight pelvis muscles. This week find your variation of Easy Pose, whether on the floor, sitting on a cushion or block, or perhaps seated in a chair. The pose requires only that you sit still and tall. Once your have found your comfortable seat, ask yourself two questions: (1) What impediment that no longer serves me can I get rid of in this pose? and (2) Where did I see the Holy today? Listen to your answers and release into gratitude.
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