“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.”

~ The Buddha

During this time of Thanksgiving, it’s nice to sit back and reflect on the many things for which we are grateful. But, sometimes, as we tote up our lists, we can lose sight of the basic, simple things in life which are deserving of our gratitude, but often get lost in the shuffle.

There is a sweet cartoon from Patrick McDonnell — who does the Mutts comic strip — where Earl the dog asks Shtinky the Little Cat, “Hey, Shtinky, what are you thankful for?” And, Shtinky says, “This moment!”  Earl asks, “Anything else?” “Yes. THIS moment!”

That cartoon is 10 years old, but I think of it often (and, as you can see, I know it by heart).  Thanksgiving is a lovely time to tell the people we love “thank you.” To sit and reflect on the gifts in our days that make our lives special.

But, we should also remember that each moment is a gift — whether a special moment or just a very simple one.

So, every once in awhile, just stop and say to yourself. “THIS moment.” And, let that be your little prayer of thanks.

Feeling Blessed? Here’s more on gratitude from our Yoga classes …

Click here for the timeless and inspiring Thanksgiving blessing from W.E.B. du Bois.  It is the blessing that I share at the end of every Yoga class at Thanksgiving: Give Us Thankful Hearts

Click here for the Gratitude Savasana and Energy Bridge instruction:Thanksgiving Yoga ~ A Blessing, Part 1

Click here for another beautiful blessing that guided our meditation at the end of one Thanksgiving Yoga class: Thanksgiving Yoga ~ A Blessing, Part 2

For “Thanksgiving Yoga: Rekindling Our Light”, click: Rekindling Our Light

And, for a beautiful poem of Gratitude from Harriett Kofalk that served as the foundation of another Thanksgiving Day Yoga practice click: I Give Thanks