Appreciate your life more, today!

How often is it that we sit back and just appreciate our lives for what they are, a true gift that is given to us for just one lifetime?

I will go ahead and admit right now that I don't always do this, certainly not enough as I could, or perhaps should. And it doesn't just stop at my own life, but taking a moment to gape in awe at the world that we live in; the luxuries that we have or amenities that were not available to generations before, or even to those living in our current times but in countries that don't offer the same liberties that we may often take for granted.

It could even be argued that in a bad economy like the one we are currently experiencing yoga is a luxury, not a necessity.

I was reminded of this when, in YTT we were discussing how some students come to the mat with a visible attitude of "I don't want to be here" or "this is the only class I can attend" or "I don't really like you, but I came anyway." As someone who will soon be facing those faces from the mat, I wish in my own practice to change these attitudes, even if it is only one student at a time. When you come to class the next time, do something small like say hello to your teacher, smile when she sets the intention for class and definitely thank her on your way out of class.

But don't limit these practices to your yoga class only. All around you, wherever your travels during the day take you, there are people who could use some positive affirmation. If you doubt me, surely you wouldn't doubt the great woman Mother Teresa, who said "when you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." And couldn't we all use a small gift each day?

My challenge to you today is to make someones day a little brighter. I would even look for that person who is looking particularly down in the dumps, visibly sad or unsettled, and just give them a compliment, smile or even introduce yourself. Together we can make this world a better place, one small act at a time.