Watching the leaves turn color and slowly fall from the trees, the insects and reptiles sleek to their slumber, and the diminishing daylight hours has a definite effect on our physiology.  Many of us crave sweets, more sleep, less activity, and some suffer from seasonal affective disorder.  Depression this time of year and through the holidays is on the rise.  Solutions are available however, to handle the change in the seasons appropriately.  Proper nutrition, proper rest, full spectrum lighting, and yoga are great tools for keeping the energy up.  Another key to effectively handling the changes is cultivating the attitude of gratitude.

How timely is the holiday of Thanksgiving to remind us of this precious state of mind?  While the intention of the holiday may have been different, the timing is certainly divine order for leading into the winter months mindful of our gratefulness.  Just looking at the words gratitude and gratefulness we can play on the words to create themes: full of a great attitude or great attitude of fullness. These themes kept on the forefront of our mind will help ease the affects of the change of season.

Another helpful practice is a meditation that I call the Thank You meditation.  To prepare for the meditation just sit up right comfortable with the eyes closed. Begin to watch the breath allowing it to flow naturally in and out of the body.  On every exhale say to yourself the words, “Thank You”.  Each inhale just notice what comes to your mind. Don’t hold judgments or think about what comes to your mind, just repeat the exhale saying, “Thank You”.  Even if a situation or person pops into your mind, (and it probably will), that you are not thankful for just repeat, “Thank You”.  Continue this meditation for as long as it feels right for you.  Don’t set a time limit or length.  I recommend doing this meditation right now if you can.  Notice any changes that occur.  I’d love to hear how it goes for you.

Thank You,      Jim