Hello December,

As the chill sets in and Chicago embraces the wintry landscape—shorter days, bare trees, and holiday lights—it's easy to get swept up in the hustle of social events. Amidst the flurry it’s easy to lose sight of what I refer to as the season of gratitude that typically begins with Thanksgiving in North America or, broadly speaking, aligns with the fall transition in the Northern Hemisphere.

Gratitude is an integral part of yoga practice. Aparigraha (non-grasping) is one of the Yamas, the first limb of the eight-fold path of yoga. These ethical guidelines shape our social interactions by emphasizing gratitude for what we possess rather than fostering competition or seeking more. While competition may not seem to have much to do with holiday feasts, gift-giving, or the desire for the perfect gathering, it does creep up when we lose track of the abundance already around us. Gratitude isn't about hoarding or striving for excess but perceiving life as inherently plentiful.

So, during this season, if finding abundance in your life feels elusive, perhaps it’s time to make some changes. You might begin by shifting your perspective. Each day, reflect on something or someone you're grateful for. Perhaps talking to someone could help shine light on perceiving good things in your life. Or take conscious pauses to appreciate decorations, meals, gatherings, or moments of tranquility you or others have created—immerse yourself in them, feeling the connections they foster. With this mindset, reaching out to someone in need and still struggling becomes more of an extension of you.

Happy Holidays!