I’ve always turned to yoga because it helps me to express what I can’t put into words. These seven poses help cultivate gratitude for ourselves and for those around us. Use these poses to bring forth all there is to be thankful for in your lives.
Humble Warrior (Baddha Virabhadrasana)
Open your chest and your heart: Interlace your fingers behind your back and slide your knuckles along the back of your leg. Bring your shoulder up to the inside of your knee and bow down over your leg.
Feel: Submit and bow down. Let go of anything that is not serving you.
Intense Side Stretch Pose (Parsvottanasana)
Jump into it! From Warrior 1, hop your back leg into a comfortable, slightly shorter stance. You can bow over your front leg by bending your torso somewhat toward it.
Feel: Let your worries from the day roll down your back and spill onto the floor. Feel renewed and grateful for all the positive things in your life.
Garland Pose (Malasana)
Get in it: Step outside your mat or slightly wider than your hip-width and get into a deep Squat. Try to keep your chest raised and align your shoulders with your hips.
Variation: Bring both feet together, but keep the space between your legs for your torso. Fold your body forward and lower your head to the ground. Bring your hands to your feet.
Feel connected to your heart center.
Extended Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana)
Let’s get into it: Come down on your forearms from the tabletop and extend your arms. Keep your hips above your knees and walk your hands forward. Arms stay engaged.
Feel Pour out your gratitude.
Knees-to-Chest (Apanasana)
Get in it: Lie down and draw your knees to your chest. Wrap your arms around your shins.
Feel: Take some time to be grateful for yourself. Accept who you are and hug yourself.
Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
Get in it: Place your feet on the ground next to one another. Bring your soles together and let your knees fall to the side of the mat. One hand should be placed on your stomach and the other on your heart.
Feel the gratitude radiating from your heart: Feel grateful for yourself and others around you.
Belly Savasana
Let’s get into it: Lay on your back, bringing your toes close together and letting your heels separate. Rest one cheek on the mat. You can place your arms in any position that is comfortable for you.
Feel: When you press your body into the ground, you will feel the earth lift you and support you. Feel grateful for having a firm foundation under you. Feel thankful for the other areas of your life where you receive solid support.
Feel the powerful energy of gratitude moving through you both mentally and physically as you perform these poses. Ask yourself what you are most grateful for and allow yourself to feel true.
