November has arrived; it seems with a first class, next day delivery as I am still looking for the lingering summer heat and more lengthy transition into the cooler offerings of fall, not to mention I am quite ill prepared for Christmas music and parking-meter garland wrappings. None-the-less, November is one of my favorite months of the year. The weather is beautiful (at least in AZ), the food it fantastic, and the practice of gratitude is reinvented from a place of greater wisdom acquired from another year of experience.
Have a seat and take a panoramic tour of your life recognizing the elements you are most grateful for. Become mindful to the pleasures in life that brings joy, inspiration and a richness that coats the heart of your soul. Life does not always have to be grand or eccentric to be worthy of noticing. As long as there is life, there are infinite miracles to witness. We are surrounded by wisdom, the expression of nature, and the potential for awakening. Give your self entirely to all you do, whether it’s cuddling on the couch with a loved one or doing the dishes. A practice of gratitude is one of dedicated mindfulness, a LIVING in the moment.
This is not only a time to be thankful for what is, but for what has been; a reflection of the year past and a sweet remembrance that everything has brought you to this point now. It is very easy to be thankful for the beauty in our life, but it is equally as important to be thankful for the times that came with resistance, pain or struggle. To be selective or discriminatory and not give attention to all aspects of our life denies the potential power of gratitude as well as our ability to detach and live with an open heart. This does not mean that we have to like the challenging lessons, but it does encourage acceptance which is the key to letting go.It also encourages an understanding that these challenges are paths of our authentic history that have lead us to this moment, and if we truly want to be thankful for this moment, we must be thankful for all that brought us to it.
I invite you to honor the WHOLE moth of November with a mindful and dedicated practice of gratitude. We practice gratitude all year long, but there is something quit insightful, humbling and nourishing that is revealed with a deeper respect and more dedicated acceptance of the gifts in our life during this turn of the season. I tend to create my spiritual practice in accordance with the cycles of the moon, the seasons and my specific intentions that govern the heart of expression for each month. November has historically been a month of Thanks Giving, and this is a tradition I continue to honor with my own unique Robin flare.
Creating Sacred Space with Your Gratitude Alter:
This is a perfect time to create a gratitude Alter for your meditation area or simply as a sacred place in your home. If you already have an Alter, perhaps make some changes. There is no wrong way to make an Alter, it comes from your own creative intuition. Much of my Alter is a tribute to those elements of my life that have been guides, teachers, lessons, or inspiration; all of which are honored from a place of genuine thanks and respect. An Alter is comprised of objects that either directly or indirectly represent your intentions. An example of a direct object would be a picture or figurine of someone you are grateful for. This can be anyone; it is based on YOUR belief systems, it can be Jesus, Buddha, your children or Madonna if you wish. An indirect object could be dirt or soil from your favorite mountain to represent the earth that sustains you, a jar of water to represent clarity, seeds for intention and growth, and a candle for contemplation /gazing. Remember, it is yours, and only yours and therefore a very unique, special and creative process. Feel good about creating it, and most importantly create it from space of love and gratitude. Sit, or stand, before it everyday and take a few moments to extend thanks. Absolutely meditate on it if you like. I like to bring fresh flowers, fruit and burn sage. Your Alter will unfold beautifully with the more energy and attention you give it. Enjoy this process!!! “Gratitude is an open door to abundance.”
The last gratitude practice for this week: BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR BODY, JUST THE WAY IT IS!!! I highly suggest you participate in the online workshop: My Body, My Temple with Carrie Hensley. This is a deep practice of loving, accepting and embracing your self as perfect, whole and complete…..a perfect practice for the year of gratitude to come!
Along with my weekly writings, I will provide a simple gratitude practice for the rest of the month. Also, please join me on Face Book under Robin Yoga and you’ll get daily tid-bits and reminders as well.
“Peace I feel in infinite measure when my life becomes the fragrance of my gratitude heart.”
Many blessings, Much Thanks,
Robin Afinowich
Always feel free to contact me questions or comments: robinayoga@yahoo.com
