Scripture ~ “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13
Spiritual Focus ~ “Excellence is not an art. It is the habit of practice.” ~ Aristotle, Greek philosopher and polymath from the Classical period
Breath Prayer ~ Strengthen(ed) in Christ
Devotion ~ During November we often focus on gratitude, a readiness to show appreciation and to return kindness. Gratitude can lead to a verbal expression of thanks or it can be a quiet, heartwarming experience of joy. Our yoga and faith traditions can help to sow the seeds of gratitude in our everyday life throughout the year. Building a habit of gratitude is largely dependent on a practice of gratitude. A habit is something that we do, often without deciding or even realizing we do it. It differs from a practice when we do something with intention. A practice of gratitude can lead to a habit of gratitude so that we are naturally grateful in every circumstance.
A bullet journal, or “BuJo” for short, is a diary of sorts that helps people track habits around such things as mood, long- and short-term goals, as well as identifying good habits one might wish to cultivate. The BuJo is unlike other journals in that it less about a written log and more about tracking habits through sketching, color coding, and mind mapping. It has gained popularity as a tool to improve mental health by creating positive habits through an intentional practice. People often track habits reflective of gratitude to foster a practice of gratitude.
Throughout scripture we are told to give thanks in all circumstances, when we are low or when we abound, when there is abundance or need. That is a tall order, but as our scripture notes, we find our strength in Christ who has experienced the highs and lows of life among us. When talking with people who practice gratitude intentionally in all circumstances, they report being able to find strength regardless of situation or outcomes.
In yoga philosophy the Sanskrit word, sankalpa, means to set an intention; literally it refers to “one’s heartfelt desire”. Nowadays, Western yogis often state a sankalpa to practice gratitude as they embrace the health benefits of asana (poses) as well as meditation. In yoga asana and meditation we do not strive toward excellence but only to make a habit of the practice itself. We practice without any intention to perfect nor even to progress, but simply to practice. Yoga inclusive of faith invites us to bring our whole selves to the practice, finding strength not in our own striving but in Christ. For that we are forever grateful.
