I want to begin with gratitude—for this community. It’s a space where we can be open and honest about the complexities of life, and where those truths are met with acceptance. With Thanksgiving around the corner, I’m reminded of how gratitude itself is a yogic practice that—ideally—our entire country pauses to honor.

But let’s be real: gratitude doesn’t always come easily. At this pivotal time, as some of us face our own “dark nights,” it can feel out of reach. Sometimes, the very act of trying to cultivate gratitude turns into yet another stressor, adding pressure to “be grateful” even when we feel anything but.

Here’s the shift: gratitude isn’t about denying the challenges—it’s about gently reorienting ourselves to notice the light, even in small ways. The science supports this. Gratitude can rewire the brain, reduce stress hormones, and even uplift our emotional vibration, aligning us with frequencies like love and joy.

And when paired with yoga, gratitude becomes a full-body experience: moving, breathing, and opening our hearts to the abundance we already have.

Why Now?

At a time when gratitude may feel contrived, yoga can help you reconnect—not just with thankfulness, but with yourself. Let’s embrace the true spirit of Thanksgiving by stepping into the energy of gratitude, both on and off the mat.

The Science of Gratitude

Gratitude is more than a fleeting emotion—it’s a powerful tool for mental and physical wellness. Studies show that practicing gratitude can lower stress hormones like cortisol, improve sleep quality, and boost mood-regulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. By rewiring the brain, gratitude shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance, creating a positive feedback loop of joy and resilience.

But here’s something intriguing: gratitude even has a vibrational frequency. Some scientists and spiritualists associate gratitude with the frequency of 540 Hz, which corresponds to “love and joy” on the scale of consciousness. While the exact Hz is open to interpretation, the concept aligns beautifully with yoga’s exploration of energetic states.

Gratitude on the Mat: An Embodied Practice

When we infuse our yoga practice with gratitude, we bring this vibrational resonance into our physical being. Yoga becomes a medium through which we embody thankfulness—each pose a prayer, each breath an offering. Through heart-opening poses like Ustrasana (Camel Pose) or Anahatasana (Melting Heart Pose), we symbolically and physically create space for gratitude to flow.

Thanksgiving as a Vibrational Reset

This Thanksgiving, consider gratitude as not just a mental exercise but an energetic practice. Gather with loved ones, share your thanks, and let that collective vibration uplift and renew you. Then, extend the practice beyond the dinner table. Whether through journaling or mindful yoga, use gratitude as a compass to guide your days.

In the words of the Anusara Yoga philosophy, the practice of “Opening to Grace” reminds us to see the divine goodness in all things—even in the challenges. This perspective transforms gratitude into a profound act of self-connection and universal harmony.

May your Thanksgiving season radiate peace and joy—on and off the mat.