Gratitude
From the Desk of Katrina Sukola, Yoga Teacher… "Gratitude is the intention to count-your-blessings every day, every minute, while avoiding, whenever possible, the belief that you need or deserve different circumstances."— Timothy Miller
It is the season that most people reflect upon what they are thankful for. Wonderful family and supportive friends, a stable job or a home you love. But what about the rest of the year? Don’t limit recognizing gratitude to only one Thanksgiving meal.
Gratitude is a state of mind. In your daily life, look for more opportunities to practice gratitude. One simple practice is to be more authentic in your words and actions. When saying thank-you for a favor, have a sincere feeling or presence in your words. Adding a few remarks to the good deed doer will let them know how much you appreciate their efforts.
A more formal practice is a gratitude journal. Label 40 pages in a journal. Once a day write at least one sentence on what you are thankful for, in that moment you are writing. Write one sentence, or as long as you’d like; it’s up to you. Try to include things that are really simple and often over looked. Commit to 40 days, and notice a subtle shift in your state of mind.
It’s never too late to show how grateful you are for a situation or opportunity.
What are you grateful for?
Katrina Sukola, Yoga Teacher
Katrina has had a lifelong relationship with movement. Dancing from a young age, including ballet and later studying other styles including flamenco and aerial dance. In 2001, she began exploring different styles of yoga such as Vinyasa, Restorative and Anusara yoga. Katrina completed her 200-hour certification with YogaWorks in 2010, training with master yoga teacher Natasha Rizopoulos. Her teaching is strongly influenced by this method, combining Ashtanga’s focus on connecting movement with breath and Iyengar’s attention to precise alignment. Other influences include her teachers Jillian Pransky, Barbara Benagh and Daniel Orlansky.
In both individual and small group settings, students will experience thoughtfully sequenced classes, cultivating body and mental awareness, and finding balance between effort and ease. Katrina teaches yoga for students to increase strength and flexibility while reducing stress and tension, creating calm in both the body and mind. Through continuous practice, Katrina has experienced the powerful mental and physical benefits of yoga, both on and off the mat. Katrina teaches yoga throughout the Boston area and is a member of the dance company Round the Corner Movers. She continues learning and sharing this ancient practice of moving, breathing, and overall well-being.