In today’s world, where stress, uncertainty, and negativity often take center stage, practicing gratitude can be a life-changing habit. Research in psychology and neuroscience shows that gratitude isn’t just a fleeting feeling—it’s a transformative practice that can lead to lasting improvements in happiness, emotional resilience, and physical health. Even in the yoga world, gratitude and spiritual practices go hand in hand, opening the heart and nurturing inner peace.
Gratitude: A Connection to the Divine
The word gratitude originates from the Latin root gratus, meaning “to praise, to celebrate; to be in contact with the Divine.” In essence, gratitude is a recognition of the divine presence in your life, a state of bliss where you find value, virtue, and goodness in everything around you.
In yoga philosophy, the divine is not something external—it resides within you, at the center of your heart. By practicing gratitude, you deepen your connection to your soul and to the world around you. When your heart is open, feelings of abundance and generosity flow effortlessly, and you experience an interconnectedness with all of creation.
Shifting from Ego to Soul
Gratitude helps us move from ego-driven thoughts—such as fear, scarcity, and anger—to a place of love, expansion, and trust. When we truly appreciate something, our ego steps aside. It is impossible to focus on both ego and gratitude at the same time.
The more we cultivate gratitude, the less space we allow for negative emotions like fear, greed, and anger—traits often tied to the ego. As a result, we shift our focus from limitation and fear to expansion and love, fostering inner peace.
Gratitude as a Reframing Tool
One of the most powerful effects of gratitude is its ability to reframe situations. In moments of difficulty, gratitude enables us to see the bigger picture and appreciate aspects we may have overlooked. Instead of feeling trapped in negativity, a daily gratitude practice teaches us to find things to be thankful for, even in challenging times. The more we practice looking for the good, the more we find it.
How Gratitude Changes Your Body
Gratitude doesn’t just impact your mind—it affects your body on a biochemical level. When we shift from negative thinking to a mindset of appreciation, our brain function becomes more balanced, and the rhythm of our heart becomes more coherent. This shift triggers a cascade of beneficial biochemical responses that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall health. In other words, practicing gratitude can quite literally make your body more open and harmonious.
The Happiness Effect
Starting your day with gratitude can create a powerful shift in your internal landscape. Before you even get out of bed, take a moment to say “Thank you,” and think of a few things you’re grateful for. Go beyond just thinking—feel these moments as sensations in your body. This practice can change your entire mood for the day.
Gratitude is known to boost neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, as well as the hormone oxytocin—all of which are associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Regular gratitude practice can lead to a more positive outlook on life.
Making the World a Better Place
Gratitude isn’t just about improving your own well-being—it can have a ripple effect on the people around you. When you express gratitude toward someone else, you create a positive experience for both of you. It strengthens relationships and fosters empathy and kindness.
As you practice gratitude and feel better about yourself, you bring that positivity into your work, relationships, and community. In this way, gratitude has the power to make the world a better, more compassionate place.
gratitude and Kundalini yoga
Luckily we have a Kundalini Yoga practice that helps us to release blockages in the heart center, connect with our heart and allow the gratitude to shine out in our lives and in the world. This is precisely, what we are doing at the moment in High On Yoga membership, if you would like to join us, follow this link.
This week, we are going to practice the meditation to create a heart of gratitude. In this mediation we chant mantra ANG SANG WAHE GURU. The meaning of the mantra is loosely: ‘Every part of my body is dancing in the divine melody, every cell is vibrating in the infinite source of all. Every cell in my body is happy.’ It helps to to truly connect with the heart center and find the inner peace. When we balance our physical body, change the chemistry in your being, connect and open the heart and then gratitude is easy! Join us on the mat🤩
With deep gratitude! Daria