Feeling tapped out and in need of some flow in your life? This simple practice works like a charm!

It was something that I started during the Great Recession in 2010. I was living in New York City and sharing a small, one bedroom apartment with two other roommates (yes really). I had just finished my yoga teacher training but had very little actual teaching work yet. With the recession going on and everyone cutting back on expenses and downsizing, it wasn’t the easiest time to set up a new teaching practice. I was also working in a restaurant to make ends meet, but that job wasn’t making much money either. I was seriously broke and everyone around me was also either broke or in fear of going broke. It was at that time that I came across the practice of gratitude journals – journals in which every day, you write three things that you are grateful for.

My first thought was – “gratitude? I’m broke and and things are looking down everywhere, what do I have to be grateful for?” Then I thought – “Well, what have I got to lose?”

It turns out, I had quite a lot to be grateful for. Truthfully, there were some days where it was a stretch to find something. Sometimes it was just, “I have a roof over my head” or “I am healthy and have the use of both arms and both legs”. But you know what? That taught me to stop taking those simple things for granted, because they actually are huge blessings.

There is a Yoga Sutra that reads “From contentment, the highest happiness is attained.” Santosha, or contentment, is considered to be one of the essential paths to a happy and fulfilled life.

I continued my gratitude practice every single night before I went to sleep and little by little, things started to shift. At first, it was just a general sense of optimism that started to accompany me throughout the day. I knew that every night I would have to write three things that I’m grateful for, so I actually started to look for those things during my day. I would notice something positive and think “oh, that’s something I can write in my gratitude journal tonight”. Soon, looking for the positive in my day led to positive outcomes. As I walked down the street one day, I noticed a sign outside of a tiny yoga studio that was looking for teachers. I applied and that became my first teaching job! While it paid very little and I only had a few students each class, it gave me the confidence that I needed as a new teacher and a huge sense of fulfillment. Shortly after, I became friends with a girl who then hooked me up with a well-paying part-time job. It was at this job that I met the man who would become my husband.

Did my entire life change overnight? Did I become an instant millionaire? No and no. But each incrementally positive shift led to another one, which led to another one. Also – I felt soooo much happier! I truly believe that my practice of gratitude ultimately led me to a much better place in my life. And even still, truthfully – it is a practice that I still have to remind myself to do, especially during times of stress or after a disappointment. But you know what? It always works!

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, what are you currently feeling gratitude for? I guarantee, you can always find something! Try this tonight – get a journal or notebook, as simple or as fancy as you would like. Keep it by your bed, along with a pen. Every night, write down 3 items of gratitude, no matter what. Make it part of your nightly routine and see what happens!

Now I’d love to hear from you – what’s one thing you’re feeling grateful for today?

Know someone else who could use some abundance in their life? Hit the share button and spread the message! :)