In Gratitude Thanksgiving Message
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S. this week, we want to express our gratitude to the Conscious Classroom community. Thanks to you, we feel encouraged, motivated, and inspired to support student and educator well-being through mindful movement in schools.
What does gratitude mean to you? It’s helpful to recognize gratitude is more than just a polite gesture of saying “thank you.” Gratitude plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Research has shown that gratitude can release toxic emotions, reduce pain, improve sleep quality, help regulate stress, and decrease anxiety and depression.
According to the Mindfulness Awareness Research Center at UCLA, gratitude can change the brain’s neural structure, making us feel happier and more content. For instance, when we give and receive notes of appreciation, our brains automatically shift focus to what we have, allowing us to experience the gift of presence.
How do you cultivate gratitude?
Mindfulness Activity of the Week
Gratitude Journaling
On a sheet of paper, draw a four-quadrant box. List out the prompts below, one in each box. Take some time to reflect and journal your thoughts.
- Compliments that I would like to give myself today
- Current challenges and what I am learning from them
- People I am grateful for
- Gifts in my life at present
Now, take a moment to thank yourself for this gift of presence and self-care!
Movement Activity of the Week
Upward Facing Dog – Chair Practice
Heart-opening poses like Upward Facing Dog activate the heart space, helping you to feel and embody gratitude, love, kindness, and compassion.
